John Terry.
England manager Roy Hodgson cast aside Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, probably signalling the end of his international career, but included former captain John Terry in his squad for next month’s European Championship.
Hodgson, appointed on May 1 to replace Fabio Capello who quit in February after guiding England to the finals in Poland and Ukraine, also named Liverpool striker Andy Carroll in a 23-man party along with uncapped Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy and Arsenal’s teenage winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Striker Wayne Rooney was included despite having to miss the first two matches of the tournament through suspension, while Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will captain the side who have been drawn in Group D with co-hosts Ukraine, France and Sweden.
Hodgson said Ferdinand’s omission and Terry’s inclusion were both «footballing decisions», despite media reports that the pair have fallen out.
Defender Terry is in the squad despite losing the England captaincy in February after being sent to a trial on July 9 charged with racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender and Ferdinand’s brother Anton. He has pleaded not guilty.
Hodgson conceded his decision to take Terry would be questioned in some quarters.
«I realised when I selected him there would be people who would raise their eyebrows, that’s the decision I have made and the decision I will live with,» Hodgson told a news conference at Wembley stadium on Wednesday.
«I believe that John Terry, especially in the latter half of the season, has played very well. I selected him because he is the man for the job.»
buenosairesherald.com