Euro 2012 Results: Rooney off as England scrape qualification

England tonight confirmed their participation at next summer's Euro 2012 Championship finals thanks to a nail-biting 2-2 draw against Montenegro in a game which saw Wayne Rooney given a straight red card for violent conduct.

For the fourth away qualifier in a row the Three Lions flew out of the blocks and grabbed an early goal courtesy of a close range Ashley Young header; the Manchester United winger was matched at 16.015/1 in the First Goalscorer market. Darren Bent doubled England's lead midway through the first half but a deflected Elsad Zverotic shot on the stroke of half time rather undeservedly brought the hosts back into the game.

Montenegro had much the better of the second half and always looked like drawing level even before Rooney was dismissed for a moment of madness, kicking out at Miodrag Dzudovic with just over 15 minutes to go. It wasn't until the last minute however that the home side equalised, Andrija Delibasic heading home a far post header to guarantee Montenegro finish second in the group and qualify for the play-offs.

The 2-2 scoreline was matched at 50.049/1 In-Play, whilst an England victory was backed at a low of just 1.041/25. The Yes option in the Red Card market was matched at 12.011/1.

UEFA later confirmed that Rooney's dismissal will earn him at least a one match ban, and that he will serve it at next summer's finals rather than in any of England's upcoming International friendlies. Rooney becomes only the second player in England's history - the other being David Beckham - to be sent off twice in his country's colours.

The Republic of Ireland moved a step closer to securing at least a play-off spot by comfortably beating Group B minnows Andorra 2-0 thanks to first half goals from Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady - the 2-0 scoreline was matched at 15.014/1.

The Republic's joy was short lived however with the news that Russia had grabbed a priceless 1-0 away win in Slovakia. That win puts Dick Advocaat's side in pole position in the group and virtually means they only have to turn up against Andorra on Tuesday night to secure automatic qualification. Giovanni Trapattoni's side must earn at least a draw at home to Armenia to finish in the play-off position.

Elsewhere there were wins for Wales and Estonia in games involving the home nations. Wales were available to back at 4.84/1 prior to securing a fantastic 2-0 victory over Switzerland; Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale getting the second half goals

Northern Ireland's poor run continued however and there were calls for Nigel Worthington's head at the final whistle after his side had surrendered a 1-0 first half lead. Steven Davis - marking his 50th international appearance - put the home side in front but two second half goals, the second a highly-controversial one, gave Estonia a well deserved victory, ending the Irish's tiny hopes of qualification. Northern Ireland were matched at 1.271/4 In-Play, whilst the away side were backed at a high of 30.029/1.

Scotland don't face Liechtenstein until tomorrow but they were done a massive favour when group leaders Spain beat the Czech Republic to give Craig Levein's men an increased chance of reaching the play-offs.

Spain remain the 3.929/10 favourites to lift the trophy at next year's finals, just ahead of Germany (4.77/2) and Netherlands (6.611/2). England, minus Rooney for at least one game, can be backed at 9.89/1.