England announce 23-man squad for Euro Championship

London, May 16 (IANS) England football manager Roy Hodgson named his 23-man squad for this summer's trip to Poland and Ukraine for UEFA EURO 2012 Wednesday. Manchester United's centre-back Rio Ferdinand was the surprise omission from the team.

Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy and Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain make their first appearance in the senior squad.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's out-form striker Andy Carroll is selected as one of four strikers alongside Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Jermain Defoe, reported Xinhua.

There are two warm-up games before the tournament. England face Norway in Oslo for Hodgson's first game in charge May 26 before they play Belgium at Wembley Stadium June 2 in preparation for the Finals.

The first game of the tournament is against France in Donetsk June 11.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United) Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur).