John Barnes and David Pleat have supported Roy Hodgson's decision not to call up Rio Ferdinand to England's Euro 2012 squad, reports BBC Sport. "No one has a divine right to play in the side, I think some of the headlines are very dramatic."

"Everyone's international career comes to an end, it's not a question of being disrespectful in leaving someone out," added former Liverpool legend Barnes.

"I had 79 caps and I was left out because my time was over. You have to back the manager."

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly, 22, was preferred to the 33-year-old who last played for his country in June 2011.

Pleat, who managed both Tottenham and Sheffield Wednesday, is also backing the Three Lions boss.

"I think the agent of Ferdinand is really out of order," Pleat told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I think agents of other players could equally make a case from time to time.

"Micah Richards evidently has had a very good season and he's been shunned, so to speak.

"Nobody has a divine right to play in the side, I think some of the headlines are very dramatic.

"Yes Ferdinand is 33, he's played around 30 games or so this season, and he has done well since January, but he's [Hodgson] got a natural attacker of the ball in John Terry.

"I think it's for footballing reasons and Roy has got four players now who can cover at centre-back. I think a right footer and a left footer in Terry and Lescott is a decent combination."

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