Cleverley: Couldn't Believe What I Read About Rio

Roy Hodgson dropped Rio Ferdinand from the England squad because John Terry racially abused his brother, Anton. Hodgson then claimed it was for “footballing reasons”.

Following the publication of the commission’s report, which revealed that Ashley Cole changed his statement to support Terry’s defence, Hodgson revealed that he might name Cole his captain for the Internationals this week.

Ferdinand still hasn’t been called back in to the squad though, despite being better than all the other defenders who have been chosen, and Tom Cleverley can’t understand why anyone would doubt his ability.

“People were doubting Rio but he’s had one bad game in about six months,” Cleverley told MUTV. “He was fantastic along with Rafael, Patrice and Jonny for anyone doubting our defence. We have conceded a few goals due to some small mistakes this season but that’s a team thing – not just the defence. I couldn’t believe some of the stuff I read about Rio in the week. It’s definitely not deserved is that.”