Rooney ready for England duty despite father’s arrest

Wayne Rooney has told Fabio Capello he has no concerns about leading England’s attack in Montenegro tonight.

The 25-year-old touched down in Podgorica yesterday to be informed his father, Wayne snr, and uncle, Richie, had been arrested in connection with an alleged betting scam in Scotland last year.

They were released later on bail, but Manchester United forward Rooney has vowed not to let any off-field issues affect his performance on the pitch. “I spoke with Wayne five minutes ago,” said Capello at his afternoon press conference. “I found him relaxed and calm. There is no problem for the game against Montenegro. He is sure a solution will be found to this personal problem in a very short space of time.”

Having established Rooney is in a fit state to play, Capello’s major concern surrounds who will partner his first-choice striker. Rooney’s United team-mate Danny Welbeck has been mentioned as a contender, as have Darren Bent and Bobby Zamora and Liverpool’s Andy Carroll. Typically, Capello was giving little away. “I have some ideas but I still need to think,” he said. “I will decide in the morning, not just about who will play with Rooney, but also for right-back.”

Uncapped duo Kyle Walker and Phil Jones, the latter who has also been mentioned as a potential central defensive partner for John Terry, are in contention along with Phil Jagielka.

If England can lock up their defence, they will be well on their way to overcoming a Montenegro side whose own motivation is under scrutiny following coach Branko Brnovic’s decision to leave three of his senior players out. He wants them available for what is viewed as a more important encounter with Switzerland on Tuesday. The rationale is simple. If Montenegro win tonight, they would still need three points in Basle to oust England as Group G winners. Yet even if they lose to Capello’s side, by avoiding defeat next week they would claim a play-off berth, a remarkable achievement in itself given they came into this tournament as one of the lowest-ranked teams.

Tonight will represent Capello’s last qualifying game as coach. It appears his departure is set in stone for 2012. The only debate is over when he will leave. “Yes. I am leaving. Absolutely,” Capello said. “I hope my job can help England to play in the Euros. Then I will want to drink with my friends, the players and all the people who work with me.”