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England Euro 2012 Roster: Was Roy Hodgson Right to Leave out Rio Ferdinand?
Published: May 16, 2012
In addition to the John Terry-part of this story, Ferdinand's form and fitness with Manchester United this season saw the centre-half force his way back into contention.
Lest we forget, Ferdinand's last England appearance was in a 2-2 draw with Switzerland last June. For some time now, his injury problems had denied him regular international football, even causing him to miss out on the 2010 World Cup.
Among England's most recent fixtures, decent showings from Joleon Lescott, Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling had lessened the blow of Ferdinand's absence by proving there was quality in his place.
Ferdinand must be applauded, then, for the way he has overcome fitness concerns to once again become a regular and important part of the United defence, and in doing so, restated his national team credentials in the best way possible.
However, new England manager Roy Hodgson was not wrong in his decision to leave out the 33-year-old.
In his press conference following the squad's announcement on Wednesday afternoon, Hodgson stated the selection wasn't based on concerns that Ferdinand and Terry (who was selected) would not be able to peacefully coexist over charges against the latter that he racially abused Rio's brother and QPR defender Anton.
Instead, Hodgson said it was a decision based on "footballing reasons".
Hodgson has avoided a potential problem here, but even if assurances both defenders might have given they could work together turned out to be true, there is sound reasoning in leaving Ferdinand behind.
England are at a point, after a decade of some decent but ultimately frustrating showings in tournaments, where they have to look forward and give diffe...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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