Rooney warned by Fabio Capello that he may not regain England place after Euro 2012 ban

Capello also said the Manchester United striker “will not play” in next month’s friendly against Spain when his club-mate Danny Welbeck will feature.

Rooney’s red card in the 2-2 qualifying draw against Montenegro means Capello must prepare for the opening game of Euro 2012, and probably the second depending on next month’s Uefa disciplinary meeting, without his best player.

Capello’s hard-line stance on Rooney is a contrast to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s before the 2006 World Cup; England’s then coach made it clear that Rooney would be instantly restored to the starting XI when his metatarsal had healed. Some believe Rooney was even rushed back.

Capello sounded less accommodating. Asked whether he would countenance overlooking an available Rooney, Capello replied: “Yes, yes, yes, no, yes!’’ That solitary “no” hinted at prevarication, although the Italian then insisted he would keep faith with any understudy who shone. “If they are good, they will play.”

He will definitely take Rooney to the Euros – “yes” — even if Uefa makes it a two-game ban. “I hope it’s one,’’ said Capello. “I think it will be.’’ England hope the referee, Wolfgang Stark, will help Rooney by telling Uefa that the striker accepted his red card with the minimum of dissent. 

Although it would still be a major surprise if Rooney were not immediately recalled, Capello has placed the errant attacker on notice. “In my life as a manager I have put on the bench a lot of [good] players,’’ said Capello. “I always decided who was for me the best player at that moment.”

Capello’s comments will also register positively with those auditioning for the role of the new No 10 as Rooney is unlikely to start any of the five or six friendlies before the Euros. “Sometimes he will come on at half-time,’’ continued Capello. “Not from the start. We need to prepare the first XI who will start in the Euros.

“Rooney will not play against Spain. I want to test new players, a new style and different movement. I have got a lot of forwards, really good forwards. I need to find the best solution.

"It will be really interesting because two players I did not select are playing really well. I saw Jermain Defoe play against Arsenal and he played really well, ran a lot, pressed a lot. Daniel Sturridge is the same.’’