Ferdinand one of England’s ‘best’, insists Van der Vaart

The shockwaves from Hodgson’s latest snubbing of Manchester United star Ferdinand have reached England’s Euro 2012 rivals, with Netherlands player Van der Vaart branding it “strange”.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward added: “It surprised me because I think he’s still one of the best defenders in England, and maybe in the world. Of course, he’s a little bit older now, but he’s still fit and fresh and he played for Manchester United.”

Ferdinand, 33, would arguably provide much-needed experience to a squad already shorn of injured defenders Gary Cahill, Michael Dawson, Chris Smalling and Kyle Walker.

England also lost Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry in midfield, with Jack Wilshere among a host of names unavailable for selection.

Van der Vaart added: “They still have a great team. It’s a pity for them that Lampard is injured, but they have so many good players.

“They have a new manager, so maybe they’ll play a little bit different now. England are always a danger to play against.”

Hodgson has also been criticised for turning to Liverpool duo Martin Kelly and Jordan Henderson instead of Manchester United stalwarts Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.

Dirk Kuyt, who quit Anfield for Fenerbahce on Sunday, defended his former team-mates’ selection. “Roy Hodgson is the one who decides who he selects for the national team,” Kuyt said.

“There’s only one decision to make – he has to make the best possible team. I’m sure Martin Kelly and Henderson will do well. They are young but they’re both very talented and I’m sure they will help England moving forward.”

Johnny Heitinga was also taken aback by Ferdinand’s omission but backed Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka and Manchester City star Joleon Lescott to fill the void.

Netherlands defender Heitinga said of Ferdinand’s snub: “Yes, I’m quite surprised.

“But then, on the other hand, Phil Jagielka, my partner in the defence for Everton, is doing very well.

“There are no more centre-halves in the England squad but it’s up to those who are there to perform.

“I was quite surprised in the beginning that they’re going this way and hopefully they’re going to play a good tournament.

“Lescott is there as well so they’ve still got a few good centre-halves.”

Asked about England’s injury woes, Heitinga added: “Now it’s up to team spirit because the main players are not in the squad, hopefully other players can stand up.

“To win the prize, the team spirit needs to be there – you can only succeed if you work hard and are there for each other.”

Wesley Sneijder, who was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, was another to be left puzzled by Ferdinand’s exclusion from the England squad.

“I think it was a big surprise,” said the Inter Milan midfielder, who played in the Netherlands’ 3-2 win at Wembley in February. “We played against them at Wembley and they missed some players there.

“But they have a good team. They are as strong as ever.”