Chelsea star’s England omission not down to FA charge

John Terry’s absence from the England squad had nothing to do with the FA charge currently hanging over him, according to coach Roy Hodgson.

Last month the Chelsea captain was found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence involving Anton Ferdinand.

But Hodgson has pointed out that Ferdinand’s brother Rio, who is facing a different charge, was not included in the squad to face Italy nex week either. However, he said he will consider both men in the future.

“John Terry has been through a charge in a court, now he has to go through the process the FA have embarked upon,” said the Three Lions chief.

“The same applies to Rio. As far as I am concerned, it is a disciplinary matter, which the FA will take care of.

“As long as they don’t suffer enormous bans that will keep them out of my thinking there is no reason for me to believe I can’t consider them in the future. And obviously I will.”