Gerrard defends fans' right to boo Ferdinand

Steven Gerrard has defended the right of England fans to abuse Rio Ferdinand over his withdrawal from the squad last week.

Ferdinand, who turned down a place in the squad because it would disrupt his special training schedule, was persistently abused by the 2,600 travelling fans at England’s 8-0 win over San Marino.

Gerrard, the England captain, said the supporters had every right to “show their frustrations about Rio not being here”. He added: “They are entitled to their opinion. They’ve spent good money to come over here.

"We all wanted Rio here because he’s a good player and he certainly would have helped us over these two games. But he’s made his decision and we need to respect that.”

Gerrard’s comments came as England manager Roy Hodgson expressed his frustration at repeated speculation over whether players such as Ferdinand and John Terry would be recalled.

Hodgson demanded greater respect be shown to the current England squad and that the calls for the return of the likes of Ferdinand and Terry should now end.



“I think it’s wrong to consistently ask for people to come back,” the England manager stated ahead of the vital World Cup qualifier away to Group H leaders Montenegro.

Ferdinand had told Hodgson that he did not wish to travel with England – under medical orders – but still flew to Qatar to work as a television pundit on the game for Al-Jazeera.

He launched a defence of his actions on the TV station, saying he still felt he had an England future.

Supporters at the Stadio Olimpico made clear their feelings, including a stream of four-letters words in a vocal protest.

Hodgson has endured a fortnight’s circus around Ferdinand’s recall – and then refusal – and also questions as to whether he should now even ask Terry to come out of international retirement.

“Where do we stop? Do we ask for Michael Owen to come out of retirement every time we can’t score a goal? You know, let’s stick to the guys that are playing regularly every week.”

Hodgson added: “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, the champions of England; Chris Smalling plays for Manchester United.

“I’m not exactly putting a couple of guys from non-league football out on the pitch on Tuesday night and I think we should show them a bit more respect – and not constantly compare them maybe.

"We’re talking about John (Terry) and we could maybe be talking about Roy McFarland and Colin Todd. How far back do you want to go?”

Rio Ferdinand has defended his trip to Qatar despite a
 back problem which requires delicate fitness
 management ruling him out of England duty.

Lescott and Smalling will play against Montenegro and Hodgson reiterated that it was “disrespectful” to suggest that England are suffering from a defensive crisis even though he has had to call up the inexperienced pair of the uncapped Steven Taylor and Steven Caulker, with just one cap, to his squad.

In what might be interpreted as a veiled criticism of Ferdinand, Hodgson continued his defence of his squad by declaring that he has been impressed by their commitment to the cause.



“The one thing the England fans can be really certain of is that if we fail it won’t be because they are players who don’t take it seriously or they are players who are more interested in themselves or their clubs,” Hodgson said.

“I know those accusations are bandied about but I can honestly say I’ve seen no example of that.”

Hodgson hopes to include Glen Johnson at right-back against Montenegro with the Liverpool defender having sat out the San Marino game because of a recurrence of the toe infection that hampered him during Euro 2012.

Hodgson revealed that Johnson might have to undergo “an injection” to play and added: “He could have played (v San Marino) but it would have meant an injection and I preferred to maintain his course of treatment we hope it (the toe) gets better in the next couple of says but if it doesn’t he will need an injection.”

Ashley Cole is also set to be recalled at left-back with Gerrard and midfielder James Milner also returning.