Hopeless Hodgson defended his chinless selection of the useless John Terry as “a purely footballing decision.” Terry cost his club the champions league trophy in Moscow by missing the goal from 12 yards. Terry reacted to the intense pressure of a big game in the Nou Camp stadium by walking up to the oppositions centre forward and kneeing him in the back.

Terrys strategic understanding of the modern game was last displayed by his pre half time exit in that game, his respect for his club was displayed by his little earner on the side – ten grand for a training ground tour – and his disrespect for the heritage of Bobby Moore was his delusional belief that he was ever fit to Captain his country.

Joey Barton faces the FA disciplinary committee for “losing it” in a relegation battle and John Terry has been awarded the privilege of representing his country, our country. On purely footballing grounds Hodgson has selected a loose canon who is capable of losing a game, disgracing his country and sleeping with his team mates partners.

Maybe Hodgson thinks Terry will be a good influence around the camp. Perhaps Roy and his advisors are just incredibly stupid. Perhaps they think Terry will add a spirit of harmony and goodwill to the squad. Maybe they believe he will do better than Lescott and Jagielka who kept the world champions out.

Most pathetic of all was the weak words from Roy about Terrys commitment to England and all that rubbish. Terry is only interested in what playing for England does for him. It’s a terrible and pathetic start to the tournament and one that will inevitably unleash tensions within the squad.

The upside is that once Terry was off the pitch the Chelsea players fought and battled for a brilliant victory in the Nou Camp. Perhaps having to tolerate a piece of poison around the place will somehow bring out the very best in the rest of the 22 decent Englishmen who will be proud to have the opportunity to wear the shirt.

It seems wrong to even mention Rio Ferdinand on the same page. – but he is a professional who is well known for his community work and mentoring of emerging black players. But Rio knows he has not brought nothing but honour and respect to his club and country.

Hodgson has kicked off his time in a job held by men like Ramsey and Robson by selecting a player who has brought a shovelful of shame to his.