Roy Hodgson focused explained the selection of John Terry and the omission of Rio Ferdinand in his England squad for this summer's European Championship. Terry was selected despite the July court case awaiting him regarding allegations that he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, which Terry denies.
Hodgson said:
"My decision with John Terry was based purely on footballing matters, I was given a free hand as to the squad I picked.
"I realised that when I selected him there would be people who would raise eyebrows but that's the decision that I've made, that's the decision I shall live with."
He continued: "I selected John Terry for footballing reasons and I left out Rio Ferdinand for footballing reasons.
"I've spoken to both of them of course. I had to do that.
"In the last couple of days I've spoken to both of them and explained to them why I've come to the decision."
Hodgson added: "I believe John Terry, especially in the latter part of the season, has played very well.
"I know you'll say he shouldn't have done what did in Barcelona but I'm looking over a longer period that that.
"I think he's played well, I think he played an important part in Chelsea's FA Cup final victory, an important part in their reaching the Champions League final and so therefore I selected him because I think he's the man for job. I'm hoping and believing that he will help us win matches."
Hodgson said Ferdinand had taken his omission in a "gracious" manner. "He was obviously disappointed. I'd be surprised had he not been," Hodgson said.
"He was very gracious and he wished myself and the team the very best of luck in the tournament."
He stressed he had no doubts over Ferdinand's ability to get through a tournament on a physical basis.
"I had a private conversation with Sir Alex (Ferguson) 10 days ago," Hodgson said.
"I think Rio has done exceptionally well this year. He's played a lot of matches through injury.
"He's got himself on the field of play when many a player wouldn't have done so.
"I'm also wary of that because I know there have been times in the season where Rio has played three matches in a week.
"I would be lying if that [the ability to play matches close together] was the major reason for not selecting him.
"It was purely on other footballing reasons.
"I admire Rio Ferdinand as a player.
"I think he's a fine footballer and I respect him, but I had to pick a squad with defenders I wanted to take to the Euros."
Hodgson said Ferdinand's lack of recent international action had been a major factor.
"One game in the last year and only three games since 2010," Hodgson said.
"Having taken over the squad, I've been very conscious of the fact I'm to some extent being parachuted in to take charge of a Capello squad which has qualified for this tournament.
"I wanted to, at least where I can, remain faithful to the players who got us there."
Hodgson is confident Terry's court case will not be a distraction.
"No, he's had that court case hanging over him and it's not distracted him in lifting the FA Cup and helping his team reach a Champions League final," Hodgson said.
"I know how committed he is to England.
"I don't think anyone has any cause to doubt his desire and his commitment to England and his pride in playing for England."
Hodgson raised various points in a private conversation with Terry, and said: "He assured me I need have no fears or worries over any of my issues." "If we take the court case first of all, that's obviously very unfortunate for him but we must emphasise he is an innocent man until such time as he is proven guilty.
