Certain members of Wayne Rooney’s family might have been high on Fabio Capello’s agenda but it was not long before he had ventured into what some might consider more dangerous territory; from shark-infested waters to going ‘with women’ during a tournament.

That particular remark sparked an almost comical exchange between an England manager and his media officer. The red-faced FA mandarin did his best to interrupt only to be met with a raised Italian hand. ‘I know what I’ve said,’ barked Capello. ‘Don’t worry.’

He was no more worried about that than he was about Rooney, who only learned of his father’s arrest when the England squad’s plane touched down here. Capello broached the subject with Rooney when they reached the team hotel and said he was satisfied with the response.

Mission possible: England require a draw in Montenegro to qualify for Euro 2012

Clearly, an alleged betting scandal in Scotland is not something Capello needs to be worrying about on the eve of a match he hopes will see his side secure qualification for next summer’s European Championship. Particularly when the news could have an impact on his best player.

But this is not the 2010 World Cup, when Rooney obviously knew his private life was about to go into meltdown amid the salacious headlines of a sex scandal. Then he was distracted, and also struggling to regain form after a serious injury.

Now, as Capello said, he is in fine form and apparently able to divorce matters at home with pressing issues in Montenegro.

‘There will be no problem for the game,’ said Capello. ‘He’s told me he’s good.’

In fairness to Rooney, he was pretty good when that aforementioned sex scandal was at its height 13 months ago. England were away to Switzerland and the Manchester United striker scored in a 3-1 win.

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