Rooney’s red does not hold England up

England captain John Terry was glad that Wayne Rooney’s red card in Montenegro did not prove costly as Fabio Capello’s men secured their place at the Euro 2012 finals with a 2-2 draw.

The Manchester United striker was sent off after lashing out at Miodrag Dzudovic with England leading 2-1. Andrija Delibasic grabbed a late leveller for the hosts, guaranteeing Montenegro a play-off spot and giving England the point they needed to creep over the line.

Ashley Young and Darren Bent’s goals put England in command in the first half but Elsad Zverotic’s goal on the stroke of half-time saw the tide begin to turn, and now England face being without star striker Rooney for at least the first group game in Poland and Ukraine next year.

Asked if Rooney had given the team any explanation for why he lashed out, Terry told Sky Sports: “No. He had a little bit of a tussle and it’s one of those things. Fortunately we’re through and it didn’t cost us so we’re happy that we’re through and that goes for everyone.

“We’re a little bit disappointed obviously after being 2-0 up, we’re disappointed to end up drawing the game. But it’s a great thing to get where we’ve got, we’re top and we’ve worked hard all the way through.”

Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic said he felt Rooney had been affected by his father’s arrest over an investigation into betting irregularities relating to an SPL match. Brnovic said: “I read something in the paper about some problems with his family. To be honest I did not expect him to play. It is a very serious situation and it is not easy to stay concentrated. The situation got worse. That is why he did what he did.”