Tag Archives: manchester

Didier Drogba looking forward to facing Bayern Munich

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Drogba refuses to dwell on the ghosts of Moscow as he prepares for 'special' final

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UPDATED:

23:24 GMT, 16 May 2012

Didier Drogba has admitted he fell into the trap of thinking Chelsea would be back in the Champions League final a year after losing to Manchester United.

But Drogba is under no illusions that Saturday's showdown with Bayern Munich is almost certain to be his last shot at European glory and one he is desperate to take.

This weekend's Allianz Arena clash is set to bring down the curtain on Drogba's glittering career at Stamford Bridge, with the striker out of contract at the end of the season.

Mistaken: Didier Drogba thought Chelsea would immediately have another shot at a European final after Moscow

Mistaken: Didier Drogba thought Chelsea would immediately have another shot at a European final after Moscow

The 34-year-old was won every domestic honour going in England – multiple times – but the Champions League has proven elusive, never more so than in Moscow four years ago when Chelsea were within a penalty kick of clinching it.

Drogba said: 'After Moscow, we thought that we were going to get to the final the next year.

'But that's Champions League – it's very difficult to reach the final and I think it shows how much we deserve to be there today.'

Drogba was as much to blame as anybody for Chelsea's defeat to United, with then manager Avram Grant revealing John Terry would have been spared the doomed penalty that would have won the final had his team-mate not been sent off.

This season's FA Cup triumph reinforced Drogba's status as the king of domestic cup finals but it has been a different story on the biggest stages, with two agonising African Nations Cup final defeats also on his CV.

Special: Drogba says this year's final is one of the biggest games of his career

Special: Drogba says this year's final is one of the biggest games of his career

He said: 'I've got a lot of disappointments but I've also got a lot of great moments in finals so I'm going to try to make sure that, for my team-mates, this one is a great one.'

Drogba, who has been linked with a surprise summer move to Barcelona, has spoken before of his determination to make amends for Moscow on Saturday but he is keen not to dwell on past failures.

'It's not good to speak about the past because we have a great moment here,' he said.

'I could speak with you about Bayern Munich and the next Champions League final rather than speak about the other final.'

Admitting this weekend's clash was 'one of the biggest games' of his career, he added: 'I've played a lot with Chelsea but this one is going to be special because it's only the second time we have reached the Champions League final.

'So we are going to do everything to go there and be ready to play against this German team.'

Gareth Barry believes more silverware will follow title victory

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Barry believes City title victory will lead to a glut of silverware

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UPDATED:

23:33 GMT, 16 May 2012

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry is convinced there will be more trophies to follow after the ecstasy of winning a first league title for 44 years.

Barry accepted he took a leap of faith when he left Aston Villa for City three years ago.

For all the money being spent by Sheikh Mansour, there was no guarantee of success for a club who tend to revel in failure.

Parade: Manchester City players lap up their title win

Parade: Manchester City players lap up their title win

However, in winning last season's FA Cup and then landing the Premier League trophy this term, City are, in manager Roberto Mancini's words, changing the course of history.

And Barry is certain it is only the start.

'Looking back three years ago words were put in my head,' he said.

'But words are so easily spoken and I really thought long and hard about the decision to come here.

'In the end, I believed the people who told me this club was going places and the type of player they were going to sign.

'I just thought it was the right decision and that is how it has turned out.

'And, by the end of my contract, I am sure there will be even more trophies too.'

In fact, the 30-year-old believes last weekend's seismic events makes further glory even more likely.

'It will make everyone even hungrier,' he said.

'When we remember what it felt like, in that changing room afterward, will make everyone want it more.

'I am sure that will happen. People said the first Premier League title was going to be the hardest one. And it was really hard to get over that line.'

Barry admits the negativity that would have surrounded the club without that dramatic five minutes of injury time would have been immense.

In the build-up to the game, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of the 'untold damage' that could be created by a City failure.

Clubbing: Barry (right) celebrated with some golf alongside James Milner

Clubbing: Barry (right) celebrated with some golf alongside James Milner

To that end, Barry accepts the true impact of those late, late goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero goes far beyond merely winning one game, or even one trophy.

'They could be everything,' he said.

'You can imagine how we would have felt if we hadn't managed to get the winner and what the difference in the dressing room would have been like.

'That says it all really. I am sure it can be the start of history.'

It certainly condemned title rivals United to a miserable summer as they pondered where it all went wrong.

That when their own game finished at Sunderland they were technically champions is just part of the pain. The real reason to lament comes from tossing away an eight-point lead in the space of four matches, the first of which, a defeat at Wigan, was the night when City began to think the impossible comeback was on.

What if: Sergio Aguero's goal has changed Manchester City's future

What if: Sergio Aguero's goal has changed Manchester City's future

'It all turned on our win over West Brom,' said Barry.

'Carlos Tevez had come back, which lifted everyone. He was working really hard and started in that game.

'Then we came back to the changing room and found out United had been beaten at Wigan. From that moment on, everyone thought we were right back in it.'

Yet the history books will also underline the significance of City's 6-1 win at Old Trafford, a result that went a long way to establishing the eight-goal swing between the clubs that ultimately decided the title in City's favour.

Beyond that, it provided the self-belief needed to complete a 38-game season on top.

'It's right that result should be mentioned when we speak about the league title,' said Barry. 'It was just so out of the ordinary.'

Carlos Tevez hits out at "President of England" Sir Alex Ferguson

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Tevez hits out at 'President' Fergie's rule as spat continues

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 16 May 2012

Carlos Tevez reopened his verbal war with Sir Alex Ferguson on Wednesday night after arriving in Argentina for a summer break.

Manchester City striker Tevez caused controversy at the club’s title parade on Monday when he held aloft a sign saying: ‘RIP Fergie’.

The sign was given to Tevez – who played under Ferguson at Manchester United – by a fan, but City still felt obliged to apologise to their rivals.

Sign: Carlos Tevez holds up an 'RIP Fergie' poster

Sign: Carlos Tevez holds up an 'RIP Fergie' poster

Now Tevez has opened the wounds again by telling reporters in Buenos Aires he has nothing to apologise for.

He said: ‘It seems Ferguson is the president of England. All the time he speaks badly about a player and he has said the worst about me. But I never asked him to apologise.

‘But if somebody makes a joke about him, you must apologise to him. But I don’t apologise.

‘There’s no relationship at all between me and Ferguson.’

Tevez also stated that despite his problems last season he now wants to stay at City. He added: ‘I had some problems and I was out, but I did my best to give my last grain of sand to help them win this title.’

Meanwhile Tevez’s team-mate Samir Nasri expects Eden Hazard to join City.

Hazard will announce his decision on Monday and Nasri claims that the attraction of City and influence of fellow Belgium international Vincent Kompany will see the 30million-rated Lille star opt to sign for the new Premier League champions.

Target: Samir Nasri believes Eden Hazard (right) will join Manchester City

Target: Samir Nasri believes Eden Hazard (right) will join Manchester City

‘I think he will come to City,’ said Nasri. ‘There is already one Belgian in the squad. I was in the same position as Eden Hazard last year. I chose City and I don’t regret my choice.

‘He’s a young, talented player and at Manchester United there are a lot of people on the wings.

‘I thought for a few months before making my decision, with my parents and my advisors. City were building and had recruited with the likes of Sergio Aguero. Patrick Vieira said that if I won the title I’d be part of history.’

Another City target, Robin van Persie, started negotiations with Arsene Wenger over a new Arsenal deal yesterday – but the talks ended in deadlock.

Van Persie and his agent Kees Vos met Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis, but the Holland international is understood to have expressed his concerns at the club’s chances of challenging for honours.

Wenger hopes the signing of Lukas Podolski – and prospective moves for the likes of Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila and Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen – can convince Van Persie, along with a three-year deal worth close to 26million.

Manchester United investigate potential interest in Nani

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Man United test transfer waters for Nani interest in case contract deal collapses

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 16 May 2012

Manchester United have made moves to find out if there would be interest in Nani should his current contract negotiations collapse.

United are hopeful the winger will stay but have been alerted to interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

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Safety net: Nani could be sold if he does not sign a new deal

Safety net: Nani could be sold if he does not sign a new deal

Joey Barton denies violent conduct against Vincent Kompany

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Barton accepts charge for assaulting Aguero but denies second offence on Kompany

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UPDATED:

17:32 GMT, 16 May 2012

QPR captain Joey Barton has accepted a charge of violent conduct against Manchester City's Sergio Aguero but denied the same charge for his confrontation with Vincent Kompany.

The 29-year-old's future at QPR is in doubt after he elbowed Carlos Tevez, kicked Aguero and appeared to headbutt Kompany during Rangers' 3-2 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Barton was given extra time to respond to the charges levelled against him and the Football Association revealed on Wednesday night he has accepted only one of the violent conduct charges.

Meltdown: Barton was dismissed in crazy circumstances against Man City

Meltdown: Barton was dismissed in crazy circumstances against Man City

'Joey Barton has accepted an FA charge against him for violent conduct against Manchester City's Sergio Aguero,' the FA statement read.

'The Queens Park Rangers player has denied a second charge of alleged violent conduct against Manchester City's Vincent Kompany.

'The player has requested a personal hearing, the date of which has yet to be set.

'Both charges against Barton are in relation to Sunday's match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Sticking the boot in: Barton kicked Sergio Aguero before having to be dragged off the pitch

Sticking the boot in: Barton kicked Sergio Aguero before having to be dragged off the pitch

Sticking the boot in: Barton kicked Sergio Aguero before having to be dragged off the pitch

'Following the player's dismissal in the 54th minute of the fixture, there followed two incidents involving Aguero and Kompany.

'As Barton had already been dismissed, both of these incidents fell outside of the jurisdiction of the referee.'

Barton, 29, saw red for the second time in the season at the Etihad Stadium.

A club statement said: 'Queens Park Rangers Football Club can confirm that a full investigation in relation to Joey Barton's dismissal and subsequent events against Manchester City on Sunday will be carried out following the conclusion of his FA hearing.

'The club will be making no further comment at this stage.'

Barton is strongly considering using his personal lawyer Mel Stein when he fights a possible 12-match ban on Friday.

QPR manager Mark Hughes, technical director Mike Rigg, joint owners Amit Bhatia and Tony Fernandes and chief executive Phillip Beard have met to discuss Barton’s future.

Finger of blame: Barton is preparing his defence

Finger of blame: Barton is preparing his defence

QPR will look to ditch Barton this summer but his wages of 70,000 a week will make it difficult to find a buyer.

Rangers could pay up the midfielder's contract to pave the way for his exit but would have to agree a severance package as they are obliged to pay the midfielder 11million in wages over the next three years.

EURO 2012: Rio Ferdinand left out of England squad for "footballing reasons"

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Ferdinand left out of England squad for 'footballing reasons', insists Hodgson

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UPDATED:

14:09 GMT, 16 May 2012

Roy Hodgson insists Rio Ferdinand has been left out of England's Euro 2012 squad based purely on a footballing decision.

The Manchester United defender was sensationally omitted by the new England boss as he revealed his 23-man squad on Wednesday.

John Terry was selected despite the July court case awaiting him regarding allegations that he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, which Terry denies.

Axed: Ferdinand, seen here playing on Tuesday night, has been left out of the England squad

Axed: Ferdinand, seen here playing on Tuesday night, has been left out of the England squad

Ferdinand's elder brother Rio being left out of the squad will help to avoid any tension that could have stemmed from the pair sharing a dressing room in Poland and Ukraine.

But Hodgson said: 'I selected John Terry for footballing reasons and I left out Rio Ferdinand for footballing reasons.

Staying at home: The Manchester United defender hasn't made the 23-man squad

Staying at home: The Manchester United defender hasn't made the 23-man squad

'I've spoken to both of them of course. I had to do that. 'In the last couple of days I've spoken to both of them and explained to them why I've come to the decision.'

On Terry's impending court case, Hodgson said: 'If we take the court case first of all, that's obviously very unfortunate for him but we must emphasise he is an innocent man until such time as he is proven guilty.

In the frame: Terry has been included, but Ferdinand will be left at home for the summer's tournament

In the frame: Terry has been included, but Ferdinand will be left at home for the summer's tournament

'My decision with John Terry was based purely on footballing matters, I was given a free hand as to the squad I picked.

'I realised that when I selected him there would be people who would raise eyebrows but that's the decision that I've made, that's the decision I shall live with.'

Terry led Chelsea to FA Cup success and helped them reach the Champions League final as they rebuilt their season under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo.

Making his point: Hodgson explained the reasons behind his squad selection at Wembley on Wednesday

Making his point: Hodgson explained the reasons behind his squad selection at Wembley on Wednesday

The defender will be suspended for the latter showpiece after he was sent off in the semi-final second leg for an off-the-ball clash with Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez.

Hodgson said: 'I believe John Terry, especially in the latter part of the season, has played very well.

'I know you'll say he shouldn't have done what did in Barcelona but I'm looking over a longer period that that.

Gracious: But Hodgson admitted Ferdinand was disappointed by his omission

Gracious: But Hodgson admitted Ferdinand was disappointed by his omission

'I think he's played well, I think he played an important part in Chelsea's FA Cup final victory, an important part in their reaching the Champions League final and so therefore I selected him because I think he's the man for job. I'm hoping and believing that he will help us win matches.'

Hodgson said Ferdinand had taken his omission in a 'gracious' manner.

Selected: Terry is included in Hodgson's squad

Selected: Terry is included in Hodgson's squad

'He was obviously disappointed. I'd be surprised had he not been,' Hodgson said. 'He was very gracious and he wished myself and the team the very best of luck in the tournament.'

He stressed he had no doubts over Ferdinand's ability to get through a tournament on a physical basis.

'I had a private conversation with Sir Alex (Ferguson) 10 days ago,' Hodgson said. 'I think Rio has done exceptionally well this year. He's played a lot of matches through injury.

'He's got himself on the field of play when many a player wouldn't have done so.

'I'm also wary of that because I know there have been times in the season where Rio has played three matches in a week.

'I would be lying if that [the ability to play matches close together] was the major reason for not selecting him.

'It was purely on other footballing reasons. 'I admire Rio Ferdinand as a player. 'I think he's a fine footballer and I respect him, but I had to pick a squad with defenders I wanted to take to the Euros.'

Hodgson said Ferdinand's lack of recent international action had been a major factor.

'One game in the last year and only three games since 2010,' Hodgson said. 'Having taken over the squad, I've been very conscious of the fact I'm to some extent being parachuted in to take charge of a Capello squad which has qualified for this tournament.

'I wanted to, at least where I can, remain faithful to the players who got us there.'

Hodgson is confident Terry's court case will not be a distraction.

'No, he's had that court case hanging over him and it's not distracted him in lifting the FA Cup and helping his team reach a Champions League final,' Hodgson said.

'I know how committed he is to England. 'I don't think anyone has any cause to doubt his desire and his commitment to England and his pride in playing for England.'

Hodgson raised various points in a private conversation with Terry, and said: 'He assured me I need have no fears or worries over any of my issues.'

Shinji Kagawa reveals Sir Alex Ferguson meeting as Manchester United move nears

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Good to talk… Kagawa nears Old Trafford move after meeting with United boss Fergie

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UPDATED:

07:57 GMT, 16 May 2012

Shinji Kagawa has dropped his biggest hint yet that he will be a Manchester United player next season after revealing it was 'good' to meet Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United boss does not want to waste any time in strengthening his squad this summer following their last day disappointment of losing the Barclays Premier League title to rivals City.

Ferguson and assistant Mike Phelan put in a personal visit to Berlin last weekend – the evening before United's final game of the season at Sunderland – to watch the Japan international in action.

Good to talk: Shinji Kagawa has revealed he has spoken to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Good to talk: Shinji Kagawa has revealed he has spoken to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

The 23-year-old forward impressed, scoring a goal to help Dortmund thrash Bayern Munich 5-2 in the German Cup final to complete a league and cup double for Jurgen Klopp's side.

And it was after the match, Ferguson introduced himself to his No 1 transfer target.

On the ball: Ferguson watched Kagawa scored Dortmund's first in their 5-2 German Cup win over Bayern Munich

On the ball: Ferguson watched Kagawa scored Dortmund's first in their 5-2 German Cup win over Bayern Munich

'It was good that I was able to meet him [Ferguson] in person and talk,' Kagawa admitted.

A host of top European suitors are ready to rival United for his signature although it appears likely that he'll be heading for Old Trafford.

Moving on: Kagawa is almost certain to leave German double winners Dortmund this summer

Moving on: Kagawa is almost certain to leave German double winners Dortmund this summer

He added: 'I want to think hard before making my decision.

'I want to choose a team where I can take on challenges.'

Dortmund are resigned to losing to 17-goal star after he snubbed an offer of a new contract.

Ryan Giggs backs Gary Neville to succeed with England

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Neville will be a brilliant boss! England coach backed by old United pal Giggs

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UPDATED:

08:13 GMT, 16 May 2012

Ryan Giggs thinks Gary Neville is an outstanding addition to the England coaching staff and has backed his former Manchester United team-mate to go on and become a top-class manager.

England manager Roy Hodgson sprung a surprise when he handed Neville a four-year contract as England coach.

Neville was often the victim of abuse during his playing career, but the former Manchester United full-back has been a big hit as a Sky Sports pundit since announcing his retirement from football in February 2011.

Going strong: Ryan Giggs (in action for Manchester United in Harry Gregg's testimonial on Tuesday) has tipped Gary Neville to be a big hit with England

Going strong: Ryan Giggs (in action for Manchester United in Harry Gregg's testimonial on Tuesday) has tipped Gary Neville to be a big hit with England

The 37-year-old's tactical acumen and passion was widely praised during his spell on television, but he has no experience of coaching at club, yet alone international level.

Giggs is sure that Hodgson has made a wise decision in appointing the 85-cap former defender, however, and is confident that Neville will one day manage at the highest level.

'I'm sure he'll be a success with England,' Giggs said. 'He's obviously done well on the TV with his views and his outlook on football and he's got fresh ideas.

'He's played at the top himself, he's got so many positives and so many things he can bring to the table.

'I think management will be the next step for him. He knows what the modern day footballer wants and needs, which is important.

'No matter what he would have done he would have been a success because he's that sort of person. He's a force of nature.

National service: Neville is coaching England after winning 85 caps

National service: Neville is coaching England after winning 85 caps

'He's driven, very ambitious and he's very good at what he does. I did my coaching badges with him and he was very alert. He's very switched on and intelligent. And together with that he's been there and done it.'

One of the main talking points in recent weeks has been whether Hodgson will attempt to coax Paul Scholes out of international retirement after the veteran midfielder went on to have a successful half season since returning to action in January.

Giggs thinks Scholes, who extended his contract at United until next summer, is unlikely to want to play for England again, but claims he will go on to star at the tournament if Hodgson manages to change his mind.

'I wouldn't hold your breath (about Scholes going to Euro 2012) but if he does decide to play and Roy Hodgson does decide to try and bring him out of retirement he'd be a great addition to the squad,' added Giggs, who was speaking at the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards in London.

Been there, done that: Giggs and Neville have international experience as players

Been there, done that: Giggs and Neville have international experience as players

'In any team in any tournament he would shine. He and Xavi are the same sort of players. They just control the tempo of great teams. To do that you need to be a special player and that's what he does.'

Scholes hung up his boots last summer but answered an SOS from Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson in January and was largely excellent in the 21 appearances he made thereafter.

With Scholes now guaranteed to be at Old Trafford for at least another season, Giggs is confident that the midfielder can play a big part in helping the club wrest the Premier League title from Manchester City's grasp.

'It's massively important that we can keep that sort of quality at the club,' Giggs said.

'I think actually it's probably been the best he's ever played since he's come back. He just doesn't give the ball away, he controls the tempo of games.

'In training and in games you find yourself laughing because he makes it look so easy.

'He's easily the best player I've played because he makes it looks so easy.'

Luka Modric edges closer to Spurs exit

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Modric edges closer to Spurs exit as midfielder ponders next move

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UPDATED:

05:26 GMT, 16 May 2012

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is in no rush to sort out his club future.

The 26-year-old, who was at the centre of one of last summer's most protracted transfer sagas over a move to Chelsea which did not materialise, will wait until after the European Championship to make any decisions.

In demand: Luka Modric has been courted by Chelsea and Manchester United

In demand: Luka Modric has been courted by Chelsea and Manchester United

The Croatia international told the Daily Mirror: 'I will decide about my future after the Euros.

'I will make the decision where to continue my career. I'm ready for the big tests.'

Tottenham's participation in the Champions League next term depends on the result of this season's final, as Chelsea will take the fourth available spot if they beat Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Rio Ferdinand out of Euro 2012 – John Terry in for England

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Rio axed! Hodgson snubs Ferdinand for Euro 2012… with Terry set for call-up

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UPDATED:

06:33 GMT, 16 May 2012

Find out the England squad first…

Stick with Sportsmail today as the full 23-man line-up for Euro 2012 is unveiled at 1pm

Rio Ferdinand's international career appears to be over after Roy Hodgson told him he will not be in England’s Euro 2012 squad, pointing to John Terry being among the 23 players he names at 1pm.

When asked if he had been left out at a Manchester United testimonial match on Tuesday, Ferdinand said: ‘Yes, it’s true.’

The FA have refused to confirm the outcome of talks between Terry and Hodgson at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Tuesday but Hodgson has certainly resolved the issue of having Ferdinand and Terry in the same dressing room when Terry is awaiting trial for the alleged racial abuse of Ferdinand’s brother, Anton.

Out: Rio Ferdinand, who played in Harry Gregg's testimonial on Tuesday night, will not be selected for Euro 2012 over doubts about his fitness, while John Terry is now expected to feature for his country

Out: Rio Ferdinand, who played in Harry Gregg's testimonial on Tuesday night, will not be selected for Euro 2012 over doubts about his fitness, while John Terry is now expected to feature for his country

Out: Rio Ferdinand, who played in Harry Gregg's testimonial on Tuesday night, will not be selected for Euro 2012 over doubts about his fitness, while John Terry is now expected to feature for his country

The FA stripped Terry of the captaincy, which led to Fabio Capello quitting as England manager in February.

The omission of Ferdinand and Phil Jagielka (understood to have been put on standby) as well as injury to Chris Smalling would suggest Terry has made the cut.

But Hodgson could still take only seven defenders, with Phil Jones covering as one of four centre halves and as a second right back alongside Glen Johnson.

The players Hodgson plans to leave out received phone calls on Tuesday night breaking the news. Peter Crouch and Micah Richards are out, while Kyle Walker will miss out through injury.

Ruthless streak: Roy Hodgson, who left West Brom officially on Sunday with the best wishes of the club's fans, has already made some bold calls with England

Ruthless streak: Roy Hodgson, who left West Brom officially on Sunday with the best wishes of the club's fans, has already made some bold calls with England

Ruthless streak: Roy Hodgson, who left West Brom officially on Sunday with the best wishes of the club's fans, has already made some bold calls with England

Crouch’s omission would suggest Andy Carroll will go to Poland and Ukraine. But the focus will remain on Ferdinand and Terry at Hodgson’s Wembley press conference, even if the manager will point to Ferdinand’s injury record as the reason he has been omitted.

Ferdinand has not played for England since last June.

Out: Peter Crouch

Out: Peter Crouch

In: Andy Carroll

In: Andy Carroll

Out: Micah Richards

Out: Micah Richards

Hodgson also presented his new employers with a logistical headache when he cancelled next week’s training trip to Malaga in Spain. He had already decided to give the Chelsea players involved in Saturday’s Champions League final the week off, as well as Wayne Rooney, and has now decided it is not worth going.

It could be he takes them to Manchester for a shorter training break before a friendly against Norway in Oslo a week on Saturday.