Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has expressed his disappointment at the omission of defender Jonathan Woodgate from the England squad to face Italy on Wednesday. Woodgate has been in sparkling form for Leeds recently but England coach Sven Goran Eriksson didn't even consider him for selection after recent talks with assistant Tord Grip and FA chief executive Adam Crozier.
The defender has recently completed 100 hours of community service after being found guilty of affray. The England management say Woodgate was left out of the squad to prevent adverse pressure being put on him but Ridsdale has voiced his concern over Woodgate's non-inclusion.
"I can only hope that his omission is purely on football grounds. I would be very disturbed if any external influences had been brought to bear to prevent Sven-Goran Eriksson picking his best squad for the Italy game, and ultimately, for the World Cup. Anyone who thinks Jonathan should not be picked for England should remember he has been through the courts and he has served his sentence.
"He now ought to be free to go on and play for Leeds and England. That must happen otherwise others are adding further penalties and that's just not how the justice system operates in this country. The bottom line is that Jonathan has fulfilled his obligation to the court through completing his community service - and he has already been banned by the FA for more than two years," said Ridsdale.
Filed by Tom Grealis
