So, the qualifications are done. The initial 12 places are decided for Euro 2012. Poland and Ukraine are there as co-hosts, and joined by Germany, Russia, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Denmark, Spain, Sweden and England as various group winners. The final 4 slots will be granted to the winners of the playoff games. Ireland take on Estonia, Turkey take on Croatia, Bosnia play Portugal, and the runners up in Englands group Montenegro have to get past the Czech Republic.
The Dutch blew through their group, as well as Germany. England ended up in one of the easiest groups, and yes, qualified with relative ease. However, England did not gallop over the line, more of limping over wheezing at the end.
But qualify they did. However, people are not celebrating. We are talking about "The Rooney Incident." If you did not see the final game, well...
England went into the game against Montenegro 3 points clear of Montenegro, with Montenegro having a game in hand. So, just a point would see England safe. In the first half, England where in charge, and doing well. England did go out to a 2-0 lead.
However, as is Englands way, they made life hard for themselves. Going into half time, Montenegro grabbed a goal back. However, Englands case was not helped by Rooney.
Getting marked heavily meant Rooney did not have the freedom he wanted. This led to frustrations, and in a moment of insanity, Rooney kicked out.
No idea why.
This led to him getting a straight red.However, Rooney realised he had screwed up, and did not complain.
So, England spent the second half with 10, and Montenegro grabbed a second.
So, England got the point they needed, but it could have been much more.
And now, UEFA has announced that Rooney will serve a 3 match ban for his actions. This rules him out of Englands group stage games at Euro 2012. As to the reasoning, we will find out when UEFA release a full written reasoning behind their decision.
And so, rather than celebrating, the English are now debating Rooney. Should we take him to Euro 2012? Given that he cannot play in Englands opening group games. Rooney is a proven scorer, and probably Englands most dangerous player. He is the one all the others watch. If something happens from England, Rooney WILL be involved!
So. do we take him? Many people say no. He was an idiot for kicking out. And, unless the FA's appeal is successful given how he has shown remorse, he wont be able to play in Englands group games. so, if he goes, he will take a slot in the squad, and we have to HOPE that England progress far enough (out of the groups!) oh actually clear his suspension, and get him back on the field! And there is no guarantee in that.
However, many others say that we have to. England really should have too much to NOT get out of the groups, and by getting into the pointy end of the Championships, having Rooney there would be a bonus, given the type of player he is.
Problem for me is that it is not that easy.
1) If Englands appeal is successful, and we see his ban reduced to 1, then its a no-brainer. He goes.
2) If the ban is not reduced, but because of the appeal it is upped to 4 (which is possible) then he does NOT go. the only time we would get to use him would be the semi's and the final. And keeping him there for 4 games, unused, seems daft.
3) If the appeal is unsuccessful, but no extra punishments are handed out, then we have a quandary. However, it is not a thing to be decided now. Given how important Rooney is to England, his name is pretty much written in stone on the team list. However, with his suspension at 3 games, it hands the other candidates a chisel!
As long as Rooney keeps going with his form for United, his name will still be linked with England come the time to finalize the squad. HOWEVER, with Rooney's position under threat, it is now up to the other strikers to step up.
With Rooney in form, it is almost impossible to blast him out of the squad. However, Capello has said that it is unlikely that Rooney will be used much in the friendlies. This allows him to try alternatives. It also gives Englands "other choices" the chance to really stake a claim. If, during the course of the season, some of the other strikers available go on a tear, then it will jeopardize Rooneys slot.
Should England take Rooney? Well, this decision is not one for now. BUT the door has not just been opened for the others, but blown right off its hinges!
