Capello hints at Rooney inclusion in Euro squad

London: England boss Fabio Capello has given his strongest hint yet that Wayne Rooney will be in his Euro 2012 squad.

The Italian was talking for the first time about the Manchester United striker since his one-match ban after his red card in Montenegro was extended to three games, ruling him out of the group stages at next summer’s European Championships.

The 65-year-old veteran manager said the right mix of experience and youth will be essential for the Three Lions to succeed, whilst also suggesting that he may include Rooney in his 23-man squad despite the striker's suspension.

Capello told reporters at a Club Wembley breakfast: "The young players are really good and ready to play with the seniors, and the experience of the seniors is really important."

"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."

The 25-year-old former Everton forward is widely regarded as the best England player, and bounced back from the news of his ban with two second-half penalties for Alex Ferguson's side in the Reds' Champions League 2-0 away victory over Otelul Galati on Tuesday night.

The striker is not the only Old Trafford player receiving increased attention from Capello, with Ashley Young becoming a permanent fixture in the national side, whilst Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck have all recently been capped by the England boss.

Capello also confessed to being impressed with other Premier League youngsters, including Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and uncapped Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge.

"I am happy with my players, I have a lot of confidence in them," he continued.

"There are not many young players in the world who are better than the English ones."

"But you need to wait until the end of the season to understand if they are at the top and ready to play with the seniors."

"We had a gap between the oldest and the young. Now, with people like Wilshere, Jones, Welbeck, Sturridge - it's really interesting."

"It will be a really good team for the next Euros."