Rio Ferdinand omitted for 'footballing reasons'

England boss Roy Hodgson has insisted that Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was left out of the Euro 2012 squad for 'footballing reasons'.

It had been suggested that Hodgson had omitted the 33-year-old due to problems with his fitness, but Hodgson has denied such claims.

"It's a football decision. He's only played for England once in the last year. It was a hard phone call to make, but it's based on football - nothing else," Hodgson told reporters.

Ferdinand could reportedly now retire from international football.