Fabio Capello Leaves Out Rooney For England Friendlies

Fabio Capello has left Wayne Rooney out of the England side that will face Spain and Sweden in two friendly matches.

The Manchester United striker was set off against Montenegro in his last outing in an England shirt - which will see him banned for England's group matches at next summer's Euro 2012.

And Capello has explained that he will use these two friendly matches to try out new players in that position as he tries to find a replacement for Rooney for next year.

Speaking to FAtv Capello said: "I spoke to him and told him he would not be selected for this game and he understood this.

"I want to see some players who can play in the Rooney position. I want to know the value of some players because Saturday's game against Spain will be really important.

"Spain play a different style to other teams and the Rooney position will be really important not only in this game but when we play in the Euros in Poland."

John Terry has been included in Capello's twenty five man squad despite being caught up an alleged race row.

However it is believed that Terry will not face Spain at the weekend but will play against Sweden next week.

Jack Rodwell and Daniel Sturridge have been called into the England squad for the first time  while Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards have been left out.

England squad to face Spain and Sweden: Joe Hart (Man City), Scott Carson (Bursaspor), David Stockdale (Ipswich); Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Gary Cahill (Bolton), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham); Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Jack Rodwell (Everton), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Adam Johnson (Man City), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal); Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Bobby Zamora (Fulham), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd).