England coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will not start in next year's pre-Euro 2012 friendlies.
Capello confirms he will look at alternative teams
England coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will not start in next year's pre-Euro 2012 friendlies.
Rooney was red carded in England's 2-2 draw in Montenegro on Friday, which sealed the Three Lions' place at the finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer.
But the sending-off means Rooney will miss at least one game, but possibly more, in the group phase.
Because of this, Capello admits he will be working on a solution of playing without Rooney in the friendlies he has lined up for next year.
Spain and Holland are already confirmed opposition for England in the next few months, but Rooney will not feature.
"I need to find the solution for the first game, or two games, that Rooney will not play," said Capello.
"And if we find that solution, he needs to work to return to the first 11.
"Rooney will not play against Spain. I want to test new players, a new style and different movement.
"Sometimes he will come on at half-time, but not from the start. He will not start.
"We need to prepare the first XI who will start in the Euros. I have got a lot of forwards at this moment, really good forwards, and I need to find the best solution.
"There were two I did not select for this game who are doing really well.
"I saw the game that (Jermain) Defoe played against Arsenal. He did really well. He ran a lot and pressed a lot. Daniel Sturridge is the same."
"(Danny) Welbeck played 15 minutes against Montenegro and played really well. He will be tested when we play against Spain.
"I wanted to see Bobby Zamora and Andy Carroll. These are players who have stayed with us at times. Zamora is an interesting player and we need to see him play against some important teams.
"I need to find the solution for the first game or two games that Rooney will not play. And then if we find a solution he needs to work to return to the first XI. That is true, absolutely. I've got 23 players."
Form not name
Capello also warned that Rio Ferdinand must put a run of games together before he can win his place back in the squad.
"I select the player, not the name," said Capello.
"Rio needs to play games. He has not played enough.
"He only played two games and last week he was on the bench.
"Sorry, but it's my job. I check all the players before I select them.
"If the player is at the top of his form I select them."
