England World Cup squad: 'Devastating, gut-wrenching and a bitter pill to swallow' - John Ruddy admits his despair at missing out on England squad
Ruddy has been named on the stand-by list for the summer tournament in Brazil
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Ruddy has admitted that he it is a “gut-wrenching feeling” to miss out on the England squad for the World Cup after Roy Hodgson overlooked the Norwich goalkeeper for the 23 players he will take to Brazil.
Ruddy has been put on the seven-man stand-by list that will remain available for the tournament should he be called upon due to any injuries to Joe Hart, Ben Foster or Fraser Forster, but the 27-year-old has spoken of his devastation at being left out for the second major tournament in a row.
Read more: Hodgson eases pressure on Barkley
Stones could replace Jones if he fails to recover
Speaking to Sky Sports after Hodgson had announced his squad, Ruddy said: “I got the phone call last night from Roy and I was obviously very disappointed not to be involved in the squad.
“It is devastating. I had the same thing in the Euros (in 2012), I broke my finger two days into training and missed that one as well.
“I fought back that season and have been involved in every squad I have been available for in the last two years and then to fall at the last hurdle and be told I haven't made it is a bitter pill to swallow.
“That is all I can say. It is really gut-wrenching to be told, but I wish all the lads who are going the best and hope they can go as far as they can.
Ruddy’s misery compounds the despair he already feels after the Canaries’ relegation was confirmed on the weekend through the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, condemning the East Anglian side to the Championship next season.
Ruddy added: “This has been a bad week in my career, but it is something that will make you stronger. I thought I had done enough to make the squad, but it wasn't to be. I had one clean sheet less than Joe Hart, who won the title.
Read more: Hodgson defends selection of Lampard
Carrick tweets about World Cup heartbreak
“Keeping myself fit is something I will be doing anyway and the FA will like to know my whereabouts as I'm on the stand-by list and I will wait to see if a call comes my way.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments