• Euro 2012

Redknapp: I would have picked Ferdinand

ESPN staff
June 5, 2012

Harry Redknapp has had his say on Rio Ferdinand's omission from the England squad for Euro 2012, revealing he would select the Manchester United man for any team in the world.

Redknapp was expected to be named England manager earlier this year, following the departure of Fabio Capello. However, he was beaten to the post by Roy Hodgson, who is already drawing criticism for his squad selections.

Hodgson left Ferdinand out of his initial Euro 2012 squad, citing 'football reasons'. However, following an injury to Gary Cahill, which saw Liverpool rookie Martin Kelly called in as a replacement, that explanation is beginning to come under fire.

Ferdinand's brother Anton Ferdinand is currently awaiting a court hearing with John Terry, following an allegation that Terry racially abused the QPR defender. It is an accusation Terry denies.

Nevertheless, with Ferdinand continuously overlooked by Hodgson, there is a feeling that perhaps the England boss has his hands tied when it comes to the selection of both Terry and Ferdinand. But Redknapp insists there is not a chance he would head into Euro 2012 without the United man.

"I'm Rio's biggest fan, no-one's ever been a bigger fan of Rio than me. I'd have him in any team," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"But it was a difficult one for Roy. That's his decision. There's obviously more to it, but we've just got to get behind Roy and the team."

Redknapp is currently more focused on club issues with Tottenham, where he has expressed concern that he is about to enter the final year of his contract.

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