Euro2012: Hodgson names his England squad

New England manager Roy Hodgson named his final 23 players squad for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine yesterday and it did create some controversy as expected when the squad of the Three Lions are announced.

Hodgson decided to leave out Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand from the squad, while John Terry from FC Chelsea has made it. There is special significance in this decision as there is a court case of racism taking place against Terry on July 9 for allegations from Anton Ferdinand (QPR). Others left out are wing-back Micah Richards and striker Peter Crouch.

Surprisingly making it into the squad are goalkeeper John Ruddy from Norwich City, Liverpool midfielder Steward Downing and teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from FC Arsenal.


ENGLAND

Goalkeepers
Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City)

Defenders
Leighton Baines (FC Everton), Gary Cahill (FC Chelsea), Ashley Cole (FC Chelsea), Glen Johnson (FC Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (FC Chelsea)

Midfielders
Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Steward Downing (FC Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (FC Liverpool), Frank Lampard (FC Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspurs), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (FC Arsenal), Theo Walcott (FC Arsenal), Ashley Young (Manchester United)

Forwards
Andy Carroll (FC Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspurs)