Rooney's Euro 2012 ban cut

Nyon - England striker Wayne Rooney's ban for Euro 2012 has been reduced from three matches to two following his appeal to UEFA on Thursday.

Rooney will now be available for England's third Group D game, against joint hosts Ukraine, but will miss the first two fixtures against France and Sweden for kicking out at Miodrag Dzudovic in the final qualifier in Montenegro in October.

A ban for the third match has been suspended for four years and the 26-year-old has also agreed to do some coaching in the community, European football governing body confirmed.

Rooney travelled to Nyon for the appeal after Manchester United's shock Champions League exit at FC Basel on Wednesday night, along with England manager Fabio Capello.

England managing director Adrian Bevington said on Twitter: "Fair hearing at UEFA. Important Wayne Rooney and Fabio Capello in attendance. Available for Ukraine game at Euros."

Rooney himself had described his action as "stupid" and Dzudovic sent a statement to UEFA on the Manchester United striker's behalf.

Rooney's absence for the France and Sweden games will nevertheless be a blow for England as he has scored 28 goals in 73 selections for the national side.