England qualify as Rooney sent off!

Friday, 07/10/2011

England are through to the finals of Euro 2012 after a stuttering 2-2 draw in Montenegro.

But striker Wayne Rooney will miss the start of the finals after being red-carded in the second half.

The Manchester United forward was dimissed for kicking out at Dzudovic, the second red card of his England career.

The home side bravely battled back from 2-0 down and at the end had Fabio Capello's side hanging on for the vital point they needed.

Ashley Young had given England the lead after just 1 minutes when he met a pinpoint cross from Theo Walcott to head in a simple chance from six yards.

On 31 minutes Young turned provider as he squared the ball for Darren Bent to tap in from just a few yards.

Elsad Zverotic pulled a goal back right on the half time whistle when he evaded a block from England captain John Terry. He had been moved from full back to midfield and the tactic change proved a masterstroke.

And in time added on Montenegro got the equaliser they deserved when sub Andrija Delibasic headed home.

The Three Lions were whimpering rather than roaring in the second 45 minutes - especially after the dismissal of Rooney - following a first half in which they had looked comfortable until the goal just on the stroke of half time.

*The Republic of Ireland won 2-0 in Andorra with goals in the first 20 minutes from Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady.

*Wales pulled off a great 2-0 home victory over Switzerland thanks to an Aaron Ramsey penalty and a striker by Gareth Bale.

* Northern Ireland lost 2-1 at home to Estonia, after captain Steven Davis had given them the lead on his 50th appearance.

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