Ferdinand stresses support for Euro team

Rio Ferdinand has pledged his support to England's Euro 2012 campaign despite the controversy that has surrounded the Manchester United defender's continued absence from the squad.

Ferdinand's camp reacted furiously on Sunday night to the former England captain being overlooked following the enforced withdrawal of defender Gary Cahill, who suffered a fractured jaw during the Wembley defeat of Belgium. Rather than call Ferdinand, 33, into the squad, England boss Roy Hodgson selected inexperienced Liverpool defender Martin Kelly.

Jamie Moralee, Ferdinand's long-time friend and business partner, accused the new manager of "a total lack of respect", but the latter has now insisted he would be fully supportive of the team in Ukraine and Poland. He Tweeted: "Just so we dont get it twisted ere....i'll be in a pub somewhere supporting England this summer! Love the lads!"

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2012, All Rights Reserved.