The Manchester United striker was sent off after lashing out at Miodrag Dzudovic with England leading 2-1. Andrija Delibasic grabbed a late leveller for the hosts, guaranteeing Montenegro a play-off spot and giving England the point they needed to creep over the line.

Ashley Young and Darren Bent's goals put England in command in the first half but Elsad Zverotic's goal on the stroke of half-time saw the tide begin to turn, and now England face being without star striker Rooney for at least the first group game in Poland and Ukraine.

Asked if Rooney had given the team any explanation for why he lashed out, Terry told Sky Sports: "No, we've just got in.

"He had a little bit of a tussle and it's one of those things. Fortunately we're through and it didn't cost us so we're happy that we're through and that goes for everyone.

"Tonight was always going to be tough, Switzerland away was going to be tough, so all over the campaign we can be pleased with how we've come on since the World Cup.

"We're a little bit disappointed obviously after being 2-0 up, we're disappointed to end up drawing the game. But it's a great thing to get where we've got, we're top and we've worked hard all the way through."

Terry added on Sky Sports: "We felt really in control in the first half. The manager said to us at half-time that maybe it was too easy for us and we let them in the game."

Bent added: "It's a massive achievement for the country. It was difficult at times but I thought we played well in tough, tough circumstances."

Young, who teed up Bent for the second and scored the first, added: "The main job was to get the point, and we can look forward now."

Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic said he felt Rooney had been affected by his father's arrest over an investigation into betting irregularities relating to a Scottish top-flight match earlier this week.

Brnovic said: "I read something in the paper about some problems with his family. To be honest I did not expect him to play. It is a very serious situation and it is not easy to stay concentrated. The situation got worse. That is why he did what he did."

Capello had no complaints over the red card and told Sky Sports 1: "It surprised me, just in front of me he kicked the opponent.

"I think the red card is okay, when he lost the ball he kicked the opponent and for the next game he is suspended.

"He is an important player, but sometimes important players don't play well and can make mistakes. It will be a good lesson for him and also for the team."

Capello dismissed suggestions that the arrest of Rooney's father and uncle this week as part of an investigation into an alleged betting scam in Scotland played a part in the striker's frustration.

"The players are thinking always about what is on the pitch, not what is happening away from here, the private problems," he said.

"He wants to be the best, when sometimes you miss the passes and miss the control, he is not happy. I think he was frustrated."

On his side's overall display, Capello said: "We played really well for the first 35 minutes, in the last 10 minutes of the first half we played too relaxed and after they scored they had more chances to draw the game.

"We are really happy, we played this game to qualify for the Euros. That was our first goal when we started qualification for the Euros.

"The result worked out for both teams.

"After 35 minutes we played the football I don't like. You need to be focused to score more goals."