Terry hoping Rooney does not receive a media backlash following Montenegro red card

The centre-half also insists that the Three Lions will be well prepared for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, now that their 2-2 draw has confirmed their place in the finals

England skipper John Terry is hoping that his international team-mate Wayne Rooney does not become the target for harsh treatment from the media following his red card againstMontenegro.

The Three Lions were leading 2-1 when the Manchester United hitman kicked an opposition player, Miodrag Dzudovic, for which he was sent off for an early shower after 74 minutes.

Montenegro eventually managed to equalise during stoppage time and secure a 2-2 draw, which made no difference in terms of qualification as Fabio Capello's men had needed just a point to book direct entry into the European Championship finals as winners of their group.

But now Rooney will miss the first game of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, and could potentially miss up to three games.

"Hopefully, nobody jumps on him," Terry said, according to The Sunday Times." 

Stressing Rooney's positive contribution to England's successful qualifying campaign, Terry added: "We probably wouldn’t be in the position we are without Wayne."

The Chelsea defender also reckons England will be prepared for what is to come in the continental competition, having endured a miserable showing at the 2010 World Cup.

"We all made mistakes when we were there [in South Africa]," said Terry. "Hopefully we will learn from where we went wrong in the World Cup."