|
|
Hodgson: Terry has justified his selection in England squad
Jun 23, 2012 1:40:00 PM
The centre-back was included by the manager for Euro 2012 somewhat controversially after he left out Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand over fears the two may clash
Roy Hodgson believes John Terry has justified his selection in England's Euro 2012 squad by delivering a series of professional performances following the controversy of leaving Rio Ferdinand out.The 64-year-old opted to go with the Chelsea defender despite the fact that he is facing a charge of racial abuse towards Anton Ferdinand, and decided not to include his brother Rio due to 'footballing reasons.'
 |
TERRY ANYTIME? |
| 12/1 | John Terry is 12/1 to score at anytime against Italy with PaddyPower |
"It is nice that he has formed such a good partnership with Joleon Lescott."
His partnership with Lescott at the back has helped England progress to the quarter-finals and, having finished top of Group D, Hodgson will be hoping the defensive duo can thwart Italy in Kiev on Sunday.
He explained: "Obviously Gary Cahill getting injured decreased the competition for places and really, from the first minute, he and Joleon have hit things off and their play together is very, very important to us."
The defensive strategies adopted by England throughout the tournament has seen them draw comparisons with this weekend's opposition and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi even described England as a "very Italian team."
Hodgson appeared to entertain the comments, saying: "I would have thought that it was meant that they recognise the professionalism of the team and the fact that the players play for each other and there's a very good team spirit and organisation.
"I'd think he probably meant it as a compliment. But of course, when people say things like that, they are also patting themselves on the back and suggesting that trying to be Italian should be at the top of the list of everyone's priorities."
Despite Italy's greater success on the international stage, Hodgson maintains Serie A is still inferior to the Premier League, but feels it is time that England transferred domestic form into national glory.
He added: "There has been far more of an exodus from Serie A to the Barclays Premier League than there has been in the other direction. Things have changed enormously in both countries.
"There is no doubt that English football, I suppose, has enjoyed a very good period. Unfortunately, it hasn't always translated to the national team, as we know, and that is something that we are trying to put right."
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
-
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
-
Now or never for Wenger to seal legacy
The Gunners sealed a place in next season's Champions League with victory at Newcastle on Sunday - and must now spend money to improve the squad over the summer
-
And Goal.com's World Player of the Week is ...
Check out which star man gets the nod from our panel of experts this week ...
-
Milan failings laid bare on dramatic day
The Rossoneri clinched third spot in dramatic fashion in Siena on Sunday but still have a long way to go to get to where they need to be
