Redknapp On Rio Ferdinand ...

Last updated : 06 June 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

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Hodgson overlooked the 33-year-old Manchester United centre-back for his initial 23-man group for this summer's tournament, and then did so again on Sunday when he called up inexperienced Liverpool defender Martin Kelly in place of the injured Gary Cahill.

Harry 'The Bung' Redknapp: "I think it's a difficult decision for him.

"There's obviously more to it. If it's just football, it's difficult to leave Rio out, obviously, because he's a fantastic player still.

"But that's the decision that's been made and we've just got to get behind Roy and the England team now, with the Euros coming up.

"We're all looking forward to it. It'll be a great tournament, I'm sure, and there's no reason why we can't have a great tournament.

"We've lost some key players. Gary Cahill is much improved. He's going to be an excellent centre-half, with a great future.

"But Joleon Lescott is also a great player in my opinion, and Phil Jagielka. With John Terry as well, there's plenty of cover there and I'm sure we've got enough central defenders to do the job.

"I'm sure the players will come together. I think the spirit looks good. [England have produced] a couple of decent performances - in Norway and at home at the weekend against Belgium, who are difficult opponents.

"Without being spectacular, we were solid, strong, difficult to beat.

"I'm sure that's how Roy will set the team up and nobody will get an easy game against England.

"Spain and Germany, from what I've seen, would probably be the favourites, but you just never know.

"It's cup football - as you've seen this year in the Champions League, anything can happen."