Report: Rooney cleared by FA after late-night drinking incident

The Football Association has assured Wayne Rooney he won't lose the England captaincy or receive any sanctions as a result of photographs appearing to show the Manchester United man drunk on a night off international duty, according to The Telegraph's Jason Burt.

The incident triggered a media maelstrom that forced Rooney to apologize for the pictures, relaying through a spokesperson that they were "inappropriate for someone in his position."

He has since come out and called the treatment toward him "disgraceful."

The Sun bought and published the images of the 31-year-old veteran, who was also accused of crashing a wedding at the Grove Hotel in Watford. He withdrew from the England squad the next day and returned to Manchester to continue his recovery from what was classified as a minor knee injury.

International teammates Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson were also cleared by the FA after another report identified the Liverpool pair at a Bournemouth strip club.

The FA did, however, opt to review its policy regarding players' free time. Burt adds it will also investigate which members of its staff were drinking with Rooney.

The messy situation has thrust Gareth Southgate, the imminent England manager, into a tricky situation. Expected to take on the position full time following a four-game unbeaten run as interim boss, Southgate has reportedly concluded any decision over Rooney's involvement will be based on form alone.

The Three Lions don't play again until a March 22 match against Germany.