Hodgson Throws a Few Surprises in Euro Squad

England manager, Roy Hodgson, has selected his squad for Euro 2012. The former West Brom boss barely had time to relax into his new position, before having to unveil his 23-man party for Poland and Ukraine, with the biggest surprise the omission of Rio Ferdinand.

Hodgson revealed that the decision to leave Ferdinand at the bus stop was for “purely footballing reasons”, but it is known that Rio struggles with injuries, and playing two games in the space of three days in the group stages of Euro 2012 could be too much.

Chelsea skipper, John Terry, is in there; he, of course, faces a court case relating to allegations of racially abusing Ferdinand’s brother, Anton. Hodgson has called up two uncapped players, in the shape of Norwich goalkeeper, John Ruddy, and Arsenal midfield star, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Hodgson has chosen a strong-looking midfield, with a lot of pace on the wings, as Theo Walcott, Stewart Downing, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Ashley Young will provide width and speed to the England attack.

Up front, there was space for Wayne Rooney, despite the fact that the striker is set to miss the first two England group games, but only three others: Danny Welbeck, Jermaine Defoe and Andy Carroll. Punters thinking of placing a football bet at Bet Victor would be wise to keep an eye on England’s forwards.

The much-derided Liverpool man has shown glimpses of his former self, with strong performances over the latter part of the season, and Hodgson thinks Carroll can offer England something no other striker can.

“He is a different type of player to the others in the squad”, he said. “He has that ability to hold the ball up; he has that aerial ability, which is very useful, but he also has the ability to make runs behind defenders, and use his strength and his power.”

England start their Euro 2012 Group D campaign against France, on June 11th, followed by clashes with Ukraine and Sweden. Try your hand at betting on the Euros with www.betvictor.com.