( CNN ) -- Former England defender Sol Campbell has told CNN World Sport he is baffled by England coach Roy Hodgson 's decision to omit Rio Ferdinand from the forthcoming Euro 2012 tournament . Hodgson insisted he had decided to exclude the 33-year-old Manchester United center-back from his 23-man squad for purely footballing reasons . But Campbell , who won 73 caps and played in three World Cup campaigns for his England , thinks Hodgson 's call has more to do with off-field concerns . Former England captain John Terry has been included in the squad , despite awaiting trial on charges he racially abused Rio 's brother Anton during an English Premier League match in October . Terry denies the allegations . Did Manchester City win the title -- or did United lose it ? Terry was stripped of the captaincy over the affair , leading to the resignation of Fabio Capello , and Campbell is convinced the ongoing court case involving the Chelsea player was a factor in Hodgson 's decision . `` I do n't know what 's gone on , '' he told CNN . `` I do n't know the conversation Roy Hodgson has had with John Terry or Rio Ferdinand . That 's going to probably be kept quiet . `` But I think it did play a small , or a big part in it , because you 're away for four to six weeks together , ( Roy is ) probably thinking , maybe something might happen at the camp . `` But you ca n't say for football reasons Rio Ferdinand should n't be going because he 's experienced , he knows how to play football , he 's an excellent defender , he 's been fantastic for his club and country , especially in the last three months . '' Hodgson said his conversations with both players would remain private though he did reveal Ferdinand was gracious and wished England well for the competition . Of Terry Hodgson , the former Liverpool manager , said : `` I realized 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 . '' Manchester City sorry for Tevez 's 'Fergie R.I.P . ' banner . Ferdinand took to social networking site Twitter to express his disappointment at missing out , saying : `` Absolutely loved playing for England . To say I 'm gutted is an understatement of the highest order . '' Campbell believes Ferdinand 's vast experience on the international stage will prove a big miss for Hodgson 's side . `` I ca n't believe it , '' he told CNN . `` He 's played the last 10 , 12 games for Manchester United , he 's played excellently , he 's fit as a fiddle . `` You need all your experienced players in a tournament like this . If you want younger players who are coming in and learning their way around international football , start with them in a campaign , at the beginning of your qualifying . `` Start not at the end , when you need the most experienced players at the tournament . Rio knows his way around all these tournaments . You need characters like that . '' Campbell , who played in six consecutive major tournaments for his country between 1996 and 2006 , did back Hodgson 's decision to hand Steven Gerrard the captain 's armband though . The Liverpool skipper has 90 caps to his name since making his debut in 2000 and Campbell said : `` I 'm surprised Stevie did n't become captain sooner . `` He 's always seemed to be overlooked but he 's an excellent captain for his club , Liverpool , and I 'm sure he 'd be excellent for England . ''
England coach Roy Hodgson omits Rio Ferdinand from Euro 2012 squad . Former England defender Sol Campbell tells CNN he 's baffled by the decision . John Terry , the former England captain , is selected in the 23-man squad . TL;DR The United States will play its first game of Group G against Belgium on Tuesday night at Wembley Stadium.