England boss Hodgson has no qualms about picking Terry

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England boss Roy Hodgson has insisted that he had no qualms about including John Terry in his squad for the European Championships.

There had been speculation that the Chelsea skipper could be left out amid concern at the prospect of him playing alongside Rio Ferdinand, given that he has been accused of racially abusing the Manchester United defender’s brother Anton.

Terry will strongly deny any wrongdoing when his court case begins after this summer’s tournament.

Ferdinand was not named in the squad, which includes Chelsea’s Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill.

Hodgson said: “It [the court case] is very unfortunate for him [Terry] but at the moment we must emphasise that he is an innocent man unless proven guilty.

“It was based purely on football matters. I was given a free hand. I believe that John has played very well.

“He played a big part in Chelsea’s FA Cup final victory and them reaching the Champions League final.

“I selected him because I think he’s the right man for the job. I’m hoping and believing that he’ll help us win matches.”

On Ferdinand’s omission, Hodgson said: “It was purely a footballing decision. I had to decide on the basis of what I’ve seen in recent months.”

Video: Should John Terry go to the Euros?

See also:
Chelsea are not like Arsenal and shouldn’t leave Stamford Bridge
A move to the ‘Battersea Bridge’ makes sense for Chelsea

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