Gary Cahill’s injury during the Belgium friendly on Saturday has unfortunately ruled the seemingly first choice centreback out of England‘s Euro 2012 competition. Cahill was injured as a result of a stupid push by Dries Mertens who was trying to score a cheap goal to take the lead for Belgium in their friendly with England in which England won 1-0 thanks to a well taken Danny Wellbeck goal.
So Cahill was ruled out after having a double fracture of the jaw, so with England desperately short of defenders who does Hodgson choose to come into the squad? No, not Rio Ferdinand, that of course would be stupid – who would want the man with 81 England caps to his name, whom at 33 years old would provide a backbone and add real experience to the squad. No, Ferdinand is a stupid choice, of course everyone wants to see Martin Kelly, the player who made his England debut at the weekend, get called up.
In case you didn’t note the sarcasm, I can’t fathom Hodgson’s decision unless he has become aware of a potential injury to that of England’s only right back in the squad, Glen Johnson. Kelly would provide cover for right back, with Lescott able to perform at centre-back for England. Personally I don’t understand why Lescott was in the squad ahead of Ferdinand – Rio has been in far better form, has far more international experience, and is a solid centreback whereas Lescott can play leftback too – but we don’t need a leftback as we have Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines – two brilliant choices.
Its also a shame that Micah Richards wasn’t happy to be included as a back up right back as he could’ve provided more experienced cover than Martin Kelly could. To me it seems that Roy is trying too hard to prove that he has no hard feelings towards Liverpool having being abruptly sacked by the club a while back. He has now chosen 6 Liverpool players in the England squad – this after Liverpool had a very poor season with many of these English players featuring throughout.
Surely Roy Hodgson has left out Ferdinand because of the potential for conflict between himself and John Terry due to the alleged racism by Terry towards Rio’s brother Anton? Rio seems to be angry, stating on Twitter just an hour ago “What Reasons???!!!!”; seemingly a question raised towards Hodgson when he said Ferdinand was not picked for football reasons only. For him to be left out over Martin Kelly is not a decision of logic, unless as mentioned it is as cover for Glen Johnson.
England now have Phil Jagielka, John Terry, Phil Jones and Joleon Lescott to choose from for the centre-back position. I can imagine Roy will choose to play Cole,Lescott, Terry and Johnson at the back with Baines and Jones making it on the bench.
