Rooney's Euro 2012 starting spot uncertain

LONDON (AP):

Wayne Rooney is set to miss England's high-profile friendly against Spain next month and has risked losing his starting place at the 2012 European Championship altogether after his petulant sending-off against Montenegro.

The Manchester United striker was shown the red card in the 74th minute of Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier for kicking out at Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic after losing possession.

Rooney will be suspended for at least one group game at next year's tournament and England coach Fabio Capello has given no guarantees the striker will return to the team when his ban is over.

England play world and European champion Spain in one of two friendlies at Wembley in November, before a match against the Netherlands in February. Details have yet to be finalised of the other November game.

New players, new style

"Rooney will not play against Spain. I want to test new players, a new style and different movement,'' Capello said. "Sometimes he will come on at half-time (in the friendlies) 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.''

Asked if he was prepared to leave Rooney out if a replacement impresses, Capello said: "Yes. In my life as a manager I have put on the bench a lot of players. I always decided who was the best player at that moment.''

Given Rooney is one of the world's best players when in form, it was quite a big statement from Capello, who will use England's three upcoming friendlies to test out alternatives up front.