Another one bites the dust: After lighting up Euro 2004, Rooney is yet to prove he has the temperament to shine at international tournaments

If he has a defence, it is that the judgement seemed harsh. Four years ago Andrey Arshavin was banned for two matches for an almost identical incident.

In the opinion of this observer, Rooney should still travel to the European Championship. England might be able to qualify for the quarter-finals in his absence but their chances of progressing too much further would be seriously limited if the 26-year-old striker were not there at all.

It is nevertheless a mess — very much of Rooney’s making — and Capello knows that only too well.

This, he has said repeatedly, will be Capello’s last season in football and he rather hoped to end a fine career in style, making amends for a disappointing World Cup with something more impressive.

Thanks to Rooney, the odds are now even more against him achieving that particular goal.

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