England qualify with draw | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Wayne Rooney was sent off as England secured qualification for Euro 2012 after Montenegro fought back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw Friday.

A last-minute equaliser from substitute Andrija Delibasic grabbed a share of the points for Montenegro after England had taken the lead with goals from Ashley Young and Darren Bent.The Montenegro fightback was not enough to prevent Fabio Capello's men from earning the point they needed to secure qualification for next year's finals in Poland and Ukraine, however.But England's night was so nearly ruined by Rooney's 73rd minute moment of madness, the Manchester United striker sent off for aiming a needless and petulant kick at Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic.Rooney's dismissal -- which will now rule him out for at least England's opening match at Euro 2012 -- capped a miserable week following the arrest on Thursday of his father and uncle in connection with a football betting scam.Montenegro's fans meanwhile celebrated wildly at the final whistle after a result which guarantees them a place in the play-offs.Capello hoped that Rooney will learn from his latest dismissal."He kicked out at the opponent and the red card was OK. He lost the ball and for the next game he will be suspended. So we will try to find a solution," said Capello."He is an important player but this will be a good lesson for him and the team. He was just frustrated by what was happening on the pitch and not by anything in his private life."England captain John Terry shrugged off Rooney's red card."It was one of those things. Fortunately it didn't cost us. We are happy because we are through," he said.Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic said he had been surprised to see Rooney start."I read in the newspaper that he had some serious family problems in England. To be honest I didn't expect him to play," added Brnovic, who was ecstatic at his team's display."Every ody thought I was crazy when I said we had the strength to play competitively against England," he said.England had looked in complete control early on, producing a clinical display of finishing to surge into a 2-0 lead that drew the sting out of the contest.England had signalled their attacking intent after only two minutes, debutant right back Phil Jones bursting into the box and whipping in a cross which was deflected behind for a corner.The visitors did not have to wait long before going ahead on 11 minutes. Rooney released Theo Walcott on the right flank and curled a cross to...