(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.
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England coach Roy Hodgson omits Rio Ferdinand from Euro 2012 squad
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Former England defender Sol Campbell tells CNN he's baffled by the decision
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John Terry, the former England captain, is selected in the 23-man squad
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Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will captain the side, Hodgson reveals
"But you can't say for football reasons @placeholder shouldn'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."