Despite England's game against Ukraine being relatively meaningless, Monday's papers are still packed with analysis following the defeat. Rio Ferdinand is under the microscope, fears are cast over the country's defensive problems, but Matt Hughes, writing in the Times chooses instead to focus on the figure of Wayne Rooney.

In 'Why Wayne Rooney has quickly become Fabio Capello’s England pet', Hughes waxes lyrical over the Manchester United and explains how he is central to England's hopes of enjoying a successful summer in South Africa.

"On the occasions when he was able to attend De La Salle Comprehensive in Croxteth, Liverpool, it is unlikely that Wayne Rooney was the teacher’s pet, but that is the status he enjoys with Fabio Capello.

"The Manchester United forward is not indulged; rather he is the one that Capello always turns to when the really difficult questions are asked, unforeseen problems arise or an example needs to be set. In cricketing parlance, Rooney is his go-to man.

"Capello is not usually the type to have favourites, but even his flinty stare softens when the subject turns to Rooney, whom he increasingly sees as his personification on the pitch. In addition to his ability, it is his attitude that Capello values so highly, an utter refusal to accept defeat and a willingness to fight until the bitter end. With better fortune, such determination would have secured an unlikely draw for England at the Dnipro Arena, in Dnipropetrovsk, when his angled shot narrowly missed the far post in the final minute.

"Capello views Rooney as a special case, which is remarkable given his austere philosophy of one-size-fits-all management. The Italian let the forward go back to Manchester yesterday with a calf injury, but if Wednesday’s match against Belarus had any meaning, the likelihood is that Rooney would still be with the squad."