2:57pm, Wed 16 May 2012 England squad numbers confirmed

Rio Ferdinand 'gutted' to miss out on Euro 2012 place

- last updated Tue 29 May 2012

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry — Roy Hodgson was asked about the inclusion of John Terry (right) and omission of Rio Ferdinand (left). Photo: Nick Potts/PA Wire

Roy Hodgson said he selected John Terry and omitted Rio Ferdinand from his Euro 2012 England squad for "footballing reasons" alone.

Ferdinand has reacted on Twitter to the announcement saying he was 'gutted.'

Absolutely loved playing for england....to say I'm gutted is an understatement of the highest order...

From @rioferdy5 on Twitter: ( 5:27 pm, Wed 16 May 2012)

Chelsea defender Terry faces a trial in July - after Euro 2012 - for alleged racist abuse of Ferdinand's brother Anton.

The impending court case saw Terry stripped of the captaincy by the Football Association, a decision which saw Fabio Capello resign his post and Hodgson eventually succeeded him. The new England boss said Steven Gerrard would captain England at Euro 2012.

John Terry Anton Ferdinand — John Terry (left) allegedly racially abused Rio Ferdinand's brother Anton (right). Credit: REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Hodgson said he realised Terry's selection "would raise eyebrows":

If we take the court case first of all, that's obviously very unfortunate for him but we must emphasise he is an innocent man until such time as he is proven guilty.

My decision with John Terry was based purely on footballing matters, I was given a free hand as to the squad I picked.

I realised that when I selected him there would be people who would raise eyebrows but that's the decision that I've made, that's the decision I shall live with.

The new England manager added that he had spoken to both defenders and said Ferdinand was "gracious" about not being selected.

I selected John Terry for footballing reasons and I left out Rio Ferdinand for footballing reasons. I've spoken to both of them of course. I had to do that.

In the last couple of days I've spoken to both of them and explained to them why I've come to the decision.

ITV Sport Editor Steve Scott on the announcement:

Two uncapped players - goalkeeper John Ruddy and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - were selected by Hodgson for Ukraine and Poland.

Hodgson said Ruddy - who has been granted special leave by the FA to get married before the tournament starts - had "a very good season" with Norwich City.

He added that 18-year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain was a "very, very exciting" player who had impressed him with his performance for Arsenal in the Champions League against AC Milan.

Micah Richards, who helped Manchester City win the Premier League this season, was omitted from the squad with Hodgson saying he preferred Manchester United's Phil Jones. Peter Crouch, who has scored 22 goals in 42 games for England, also did not make the final 23.

Peter Crouch and Micah Richards did not make the England squad. Credit: PA and Reuters

Liverpool's Andy Carroll, however, forced his way onto the plane, with Hodgson admitting he was impressed with the striker's late season form.

England are drawn alongside Sweden, France and co-hosts Ukraine in their Euro 2012 Group.

Run-up to Euro 2012:

England will play Norway in Oslo on Saturday 26 May for Roy Hodgson's first game in charge.
They will then play Belgium at Wembley on Saturday 2 June.
England's first game in the Euros will be against France in Donetsk on Monday 11 June.

England's 2012 squad:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich).

Defenders: John Terry, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole (all Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Leighton Baines (Everton), Phil Jones (Man Utd).

Midfielders: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - who reacted on Twitter below, Theo Walcott (both Arsenal), James Milner, Gareth Barry (both Man City), Steven Gerrard, Stewart Downing (both Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man Utd).