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Hodgson won't try to recall John Terry

John Terry is retired from international football © PA Photos

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Roy Hodgson has moved to dismiss any idea that John Terry could be given an England recall.

The Chelsea captain retired from international football in 2012 but Hodgson is yet to find a permanent successor to lead from the heart of his Three Lions defence.

Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott started England's World Cup qualifying win against San Marino on Friday and Hodgson is favouring that defensive partnership again for the game against Montenegro on Tuesday.

"The fact is John Terry has retired from international football, a decision I have respected," Hodgson said.

"I think it's wrong for people to ask for people to consistently come back. I'm working with a group of players here and we've had quite a lot of games here since John retired.

"Where do we stop? Should Michael Owen come out of retirement every time we can't score a goal? Let's stick really to the guys playing regularly every week.

"I've got great respect for John Terry and he did a fantastic job during Euro 2012. But circumstances contrived against me in that respect and he felt the need to retire, so let's respect that.

"And let's also show some respect for the young Chris Smalling and the not-so-young but well-tried-and-tested Joleon Lescott. Because Joleon Lescott's at Manchester City, he's a champion of England; Chris Smalling is playing for Manchester United.

"I'm not exactly putting a couple of players from non-league football out there on Tuesday night against Montenegro. And I think we should show them a bit more respect and not constantly compare them.

"Maybe while we're talking about John we could maybe talk about Roy McFarland and Colin Todd. How far back do you want us to go?"

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