Ferdinand backing England despite ‘snub’ from Hodgson

RIO Ferdinand insisted he would still be a firm supporter of England’s Euro 2012 campaign despite the controversy surrounding his continued absence from the squad.

Ferdinand’s camp reacted furiously to the Manchester United defender and former England captain again being overlooked after the withdrawal of defender Gary Cahill.

Rather than call Ferdinand, 33, into the squad, England boss Roy Hodgson selected inexperienced Liverpool defender Martin Kelly, prompting Jamie Moralee, Ferdinand’s long-time friend and business partner, to accuse the new manager of “a total lack of respect”.

Debate over the decision has been raging, but Ferdinand has pledged to be fully supportive of the team in Ukraine and Poland.