Ferdinand overlooked for post-Terry England squad
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LONDON (AP) - Rio Ferdinand was overlooked as John Terry's replacement in the England squad on Thursday, with uncapped centre-back Ryan Shawcross receiving his second international call-up.
England coach Roy Hodgson kept Ferdinand out of the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland, a day after revealing to London Underground passengers that the 33-year-old Manchester United defender was not in his plans.
But while Ferdinand has started United's recent Champions League and Premier League games, centre-back Joleon Lescott retains his place in the England squad despite being dropped for key Manchester City matches this season.
Hodgson's options in central defence have been reduced after Terry quit England duty last month before he was found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother, Anton.
Background story
Squad - Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Ryan Shawcross (Stoke), Kyle Walker (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Sunderland), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).
Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).
