For the 2004 European Championships, England came top of their qualification group, with the teenage striker Wayne Rooney installed as a new star in their attack. His emergence was tempered by the loss of defender Rio Ferdinand, who was given an eight-month ban in December 2003 after missing a drugs test, ruling him out of the finals.
During the 2004 European Championships, England secured first place in their qualifying group, thanks to the emergence of teenage forward Wayne Rooney as a key player. However, his progress was hindered by Rio Ferdinand's eight-month ban, which began in December 2003 after he tested positive for drugs and missed the finals.