AXE MAN ... Fabio Capello

WAYNE ROONEY could pay a higher price than he imagined for his stupidity in Montenegro.

Boss Fabio Capello refuses to guarantee him a starting place at Euro 2012 once his ban for Friday night's red card is over.

It seems inconceivable Capello would field a team without the Manchester United ace once he is available but that is exactly what he is threatening.

It is a contrast to Sven Goran Eriksson's approach. When Roon was crocked before the 2006 World Cup, the Swede claimed that, without him, England had no chance.

They were portrayed as a one-man team but Capello is building up Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge, making it clear the chance is there for them to prove Rooney can be axed.

Asked if he could really leave Rooney out once his ban is over, Capello replied: "Yes, yes."

David Beckham can tell Rooney all about how ruthless Capello can be and how you have to fight to win him round again.

As manager of Real Madrid, Capello announced Beckham would not play for him again once he learned he was moving to LA Galaxy in the summer.

Beckham had to work his socks off to change Capello's mind and show he was committed. Capello also went public in stating that Beckham's England career was over and has now axed the veteran for good.

Every player will be judged on his merits claims the Italian and getting tough with a big name does not matter to him.

Capello must have researched the history of Rooney and tournaments. They never go smoothly.

Rooney suffered a metatarsal injury at Euro 2004 early in the game against Portugal and England lost on penalties.

He was injured going into the 2006 World Cup and got sent off for his stamp on Ricardo Carvalho.

England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and at South Africa 2010 off-the-field problems which came out later were clearly on Rooney's mind.

He has not scored a tournament goal in over seven years and, who knows, his absence could be a blessing in disguise.

Already Capello is planning without Rooney and will omit him from the friendly against Spain at Wembley next month. He said: "There'll be new players and a new style with different movement."

German referee Wolfgang Stark, who sent Rooney off, says his reaction may spare him a longer ban. He said: "He accepted it without dissent. Maybe it'll help Rooney the way he acted by accepting my decision."