England Euro 2012 Squad announced as Roy Hodgson springs shock with Carroll inclusion
So, Rio Ferdinand has been omitted from the the England squad as pundits, fans, journalists and players themselves come to terms with Roy Hodgson’s England squad.
The other headlines are that Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has been rewarded for his decent run of form in recent weeks, while his team-mate Stewart Downing has also made it in ahead of the likes of Aaron Lennon and Adam Johnson.
There is also no place for title winning Manchester City defender Micah Richards, despite many believing he would be England’s No.1 right back following Kyle Walker’s omission through injury.
Looking at the squad in full, Joe Hart and Robert Green join Ruddy – who has had a fantastic season for Norwich – as part of the three goalkeepers.
In defence, John Terry has made the cut despite being in and out of the England squad of late, while his Chelsea team-mate Gary Cahill has also been given the nod. Joleon Lescott has also made it in and Glen Johnson looks set to start as Hodgson’s preferred right-back.
Completing the defensive line-up, there are expected inclusions for Ashley Cole, Phil Jones and Leighton Baines.
Looking at the midfield, Downing is the player everyone is talking about. The Liverpool man has had a poor season for Liverpool, but has been included alongside team-mate Steven Gerrard. Arsenal duo Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott are also involved.
England regulars Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, James Milner and Ashley Young are also in the squad, while Scott Parker will be on the plane presuming he can recover from injury in time.
As for the strikers, Wayne Rooney is one the plane despite missing the first two games through suspension and he is joined by Manchester United team-mate Danny Welbeck, Tottenham striker Jermaine Defoe and £35m man Carroll.
There is then a standby list of five players with Jack Butland, Phil Jagielka, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson and Daniel Sturridge ready to be called upon if needed. Michael Carrick is nowhere to be seen despite a good season for Premier League runners-up Manchester United.
Many will of course disagree with some selections, but this is the squad England will take to Poland and Ukraine this summer
