England's managing director Adrian Bevington believes that UEFA's decision to reduce Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 three-match ban is "very positive" for the national side.
The Manchester United striker's ban was dropped to two matches after a successful appeal, which Fabio Capello and Rooney attended.
"We're very pleased with [UEFA's decision] today," said Bevington. "Wayne's presence here was clearly important so I'd like to make a special thanks to Manchester United today and to Sir Alex Ferguson for releasing Wayne to be present.
"Wayne also agreed to support one day of a UEFA programme during the forthcoming season and we would expect him to do so while on international duty so there will be no impact on his Manchester United time there as well. Like I say we're very grateful for the time we've been given by UEFA today. They listened to evidence from Wayne and Fabio Capello as well so we're pleased with the outcome.
"Wayne and Fabio are both very pleased, they're very satisfied that they feel that they have had a fair hearing. Wayne's always made it clear that it was a red card offence. We're very grateful today. To have him available for the final group game against Ukraine is very positive for us and Wayne as well."
The 26-year-old will need to serve the third match suspension, which applies to any UEFA fixture, within four years' time.
Danielle Joynson
