Hodgson ready to pick Terry

John Terry, pictured, will be considered for selection by England manager Roy Hodgson
25 August 2012

Roy Hodgson has confirmed he would pick John Terry for England's World Cup qualifying double-header against Moldova and Ukraine, despite the defender's international future remaining in limbo.

The Football Association have yet to announce a date for Terry's independent disciplinary hearing over charges he used a racist slur against Anton Ferdinand, an allegation he denies and was cleared of by a court last month. Chelsea captain Terry was rested, along with several other senior players, for last week's friendly win over Italy.

But Hodgson revealed he would recall the defender - if fit - when he names his squad for the September 7 away game in Moldova on Thursday and the home clash against Ukraine four days later. He said: "As far as I know, I can select him at the moment, and I will be selecting him."

He continued: "I don't really have any comment about the rest of it. Time will take it's toll. I just know I can select him."

That may change if Terry's hearing is held in the next week but Hodgson had "no idea" whether any announcement on the case would come before he names his squad on Thursday, adding: "I'll pick him and then we'll wait and see what happens."

Hodgson all but confirmed the other players from England's European Championship squad who were rested against Italy would be recalled. That includes Wayne Rooney, who he watched in Manchester United's opening Barclays Premier League defeat at Everton and felt "looked very fit".

Rooney could be the only striker in Hodgson's squad guaranteed a regular starting spot for his club now United have signed Robin van Persie and Tottenham Emmanuel Adebayor.

Danny Welbeck, Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe and Daniel Sturridge could all find their game time limited, and Hodgson said: "Whether they play is up to their club coaches and up to them to a certain extent as well.

"If players don't play regularly, they sometimes make it difficult for the club coach. The transfer window has not closed yet. Who knows if those players will still be with the club at the end of the transfer window?

"The bottom line is I shall choose from the players who can do the job. If they are not playing for their club team that will be a disadvantage but it won't necessarily preclude them from playing."

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