World Cup

Roy Hodgson rules out John Terry recall

By Sam Hughes, Reporter | 24 March 2013

Roy Hodgson dismisses speculation that he could persuade John Terry to come out of international retirement following injuries to key defenders.

England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that he has no intention of bringing John Terry out of international retirement.

Following the withdrawal of several centre-backs through injury, Hodgson was asked if he had considered recalling Terry, who retired from international football last year.

However, Hodgson was quick to dismiss the talk, claiming that it is disrespectful to the defenders in his squad.

"No. The fact is John Terry has retired from international football, a decision I have respected," Hodgson told reporters. "I think it's wrong for people to ask for people to consistently come back.

"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 Lescott's at Manchester City, he's a champion of England; Smalling is playing for Manchester United."

England face Montenegro in a key World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.