Wayne Rooney has described himself as devastated by his ban for being sent off for "stupid" behaviour during England's 2-2 draw with Montenegro last month but has been assured by Fabio Capello that he will go to Euro 2012 even if his three-match suspension stands.
The forward met England's manager on Wednesdayat Manchester United's training ground and was told he will be taken to the finals in Poland and Ukraine even though he faces the prospect of missing the entire group stage. As expected, though, there will be no place for him in the squad to be named on Sunday for the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden.
Rooney's dismissal for violent conduct after kicking Miodrag Dzudovic led Uefa to suspend him for three matches and the Football Association will decide on Friday whether to appeal against the length of the punishment. Rooney appeared to encourage the governing body to do so when he spoke publicly about his red card for the first time.
"I am disappointed with it," the 26-year-old said of his ban. "I've got no excuse but I still feel the punishment is a bit harsh. All the details we have been waiting for came through so we will be making a decision as to whether we will be appealing.
"Obviously that is my own fault so I can't really complain. It will be a bonus if it is cut by one game. And I thank the Montenegro player [Dzudovic] who has sent an email to the FA saying that he felt the punishment was too harsh. He didn't have to do that." Dzudovic has also written to Uefa to urge leniency for Rooney.
The FA has been deliberating since Tuesday over whether to appeal and will do so only if it believes there is no danger of Rooney's ban being extended. The governing body is more likely than not to launch an appeal.
It finally received the written judgment on Tuesday from Uefa, which delayed its reply because it was giving priority to disciplinary cases involving teams who are in this month's play-offs.
"It was stupid," Rooney said of his kick at Dzudovic. "I regretted it as soon as I did it. I honestly don't know why I did it. It was one of those moments which I live to regret now. There was no tackle on me beforehand, so it wasn't retaliation.
"I didn't set out to 'beat' him; it just happened. I just can't explain it but, obviously, it's devastating for me."
Capello has started to make plans without the striker and, although the Italian will take Rooney to the Euro 2012 finals come what may, he will try alternatives in the matches against Spain and Sweden at Wembley.
"I will understand if I am not in the squad," Rooney said, "because I'll be missing out on those first three games at the minute and he has to look at other players – it is as simple as that. I want to play but I understand if I don't."
