Rio Ferdinand debate 'a smear campaign' against Roy Hodgson says Sven-Goran Eriksson
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.Sven-Goran Eriksson has described the row over Rio Ferdinand's omission from England's Euro 2012 squad as "a smear campaign" against manager Roy Hodgson
Eriksson, who managed England between 2001 and 2006, sympathises with Hodgson over his decision to leave the Manchester United defender out.
Debate over Hodgson's stance has intensified since Gary Cahill was ruled out of the tournament and Liverpool's once-capped Martin Kelly was called up as a replacement.
Some believe that discredited Hodgson's claim that his snub of Ferdinand was a football decision and was instead a move to prevent any disharmony with John Terry.
Eriksson disagrees.
"Choosing Kelly over Ferdinand seems to have caught him in the crossfire and, having selected six Liverpool players, Roy is the target of a smear campaign," the Swede told the Daily Mirror.
"Personally, I just find the whole thing to be quite silly.
"First of all, they're all good footballers. But secondly, Roy has rock-solid knowledge when it comes to the players' current form.
"I do understand Rio's disappointment. He was an incredibly important player for me in three tournaments, but we mustn't forget the injuries he has suffered this season.
"Roy has his reasons, otherwise he would not have rejected Rio - twice.
"It has been an entirely football-based decision. That's all there is to it
"I know Roy will face it without losing his composure. Remember, this is England. No squad is ever selected without criticism."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments