Roy Hodgson is under increasing pressure to justify his decision not to take Rio Ferdinand to Euro 2012 amid fears that the backlash could destroy harmony in the England camp.

Ferdinand received several text  messages of consolation and support from England players and the issue is certain to be discussed when the squad reconvene at their base in Hertfordshire before Wednesday's flight to Poland.

The centre half insisted he will still support the national side, tweeting: ‘Just so we dont get it twisted ere ... i’ll be in a pub somewhere supporting England this summer! Love the lads!’

Sidelined: Rio Ferdinand has repeatedly been overlooked by England

But outside the camp, pundits mocked the suggestion that ‘football reasons’ led to rookie defender Martin Kelly being preferred as a replacement for Gary Cahill, who broke his jaw against Belgium on Saturday.

Ferdinand has heard nothing from Hodgson or anyone else at the FA since the weekend. It is the second snub in less than three weeks for the Manchester United defender, who has gone on holiday and will consider his international future.

Hodgson has not publicly explained the thinking behind the call for promising Liverpool  full back Kelly, 22, who has made only 24 Premier League appearances, ahead of an 81-cap veteran of two major tournaments.

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