• Euro 2012

Hodgson did not discuss England return with Scholes

ESPN staff
May 20, 2012
Paul Scholes will not be going to Euro 2012 © Getty Images
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Roy Hodgson has revealed he did not even speak to Paul Scholes before naming his England squad for Euro 2012.

Scholes became an odds-on favourite to be named among Hodgson's list of 23 players on the morning that the squad was announced. However, when the final selection was made the Manchester United man was conspicuous by his absence.

At 37 years of age Scholes has enjoyed an excellent six months since coming out of retirement for United. The diminutive midfielder almost helped his side win a 20th Premier League title, only to be denied by Sergio Aguero's 94th-minute winner for Manchester City against QPR.

Scholes' international retirement has lasted much longer, playing his last England match back in 2004. However, he did reveal that he would have considered making a return for the 2010 World Cup, had Fabio Capello made a considered approach for his services.

As a result, it was felt that Hodgson had a strong chance of luring Scholes for an international swansong this summer. But the England boss confessed the fear of being rejected, and the effect that might have so soon into his reign, was a risk he did not want to take.

"I didn't speak to Paul Scholes," Hodgson said. "Although I am a great admirer of him, he is coming to the end of his career.

"I wouldn't have wanted to run the risk of a rebuff because I'm not certain he would want to juggle Manchester United and England again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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