England coach Fabio Capello hinted yesterday that he will take Wayne Rooney to next summer’s Euro 2012 finals despite a ban ruling him out of the entire group stages.

Capello had not spoken about Rooney since the Manchester United striker was handed a three-match ban by UEFA as punishment for his red card in the qualifier against Montenegro earlier this month.

The Football Association have yet to decide whether to appeal against the ban, but as it stands Rooney will be unable to feature in the first phase of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine in June.

Despite that, and the worry that England could fail to reach the KO stages at all, Capello gave a clue as to his thinking when he addressed guests at a Wembley function.

“The young players are really good and ready to play with the seniors, and the experience of the seniors is really important,” Capello said of his desire to bring through young talent.

“During the games we need some leaders, people that know something. Jack Wilshere is incredible because he is so young. We also need the experience of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Scott Parker.

“You need this kind of player, plus Rooney, I hope.”