Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards are 'gutted' to have missed out on Roy Hodgson's England squad for the European Championship this summer.
Duo reveal disappointment at missing out for England
Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards are 'gutted' to have missed out on Roy Hodgson's England squad for the European Championship this summer.
Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand's omission from the 23-man party for Euro 2012 was the biggest shock, while the absence of Manchester City full-back Richards has also raised eyebrows.
Hodgson has insisted that his decision not to include the former England captain for Poland and Ukraine was based purely on 'football reasons' despite concerns over squad harmony with John Terry included in the squad.
Terry is facing a court case in July over accusations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother Anton during Chelsea's Premier League defeat by QPR back in October. Terry has always denied the charges.
Ferdinand wrote on
Twitter: "Absolutely loved playing for England.... to say I'm gutted is an understatement of the highest order..."
Hodgson's decision could bring the curtain down on Ferdinand's 81-cap international career, with his last England appearance coming against Switzerland in June 2011.
Future
Right-back Richards was widely expected to be included, but has failed to make the cut despite the absence of Kyle Walker through injury, leaving Glen Johnson as the only specialist in that position.
Richards told City's
official website: "Of course my initial reaction is to be gutted but a manager is there to pick a squad and he cannot pick everyone.
"No one will be cheering louder than me for England when the championships start. My really good mates from City and other clubs will be playing and of course I want my country to win.
"I will take myself off on holiday and come back refreshed and ready to start again next season.
"There is so much to look forward to. We are defending the Premier League title and we will be ready to be competitive in the Champions League.
"Hopefully I will play my share of those games and will be selected for the England squad at some time in the future."
