Hodgson feels John Terry's retirement will lead to new opportunities for others

John Terry’s decision to retire from international football will open the door for the next generation of England stars, says Roy Hodgson.

The former Three Lions captain and Chelsea star announced his retirement from England duty last week so was unavailable for Hodgson to pick in his latest squad to face San Marino and Poland.

And even though Hodgson admits he would have liked to pick the 31-year-old as the campaign to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil continues, he feels it’s an opportunity for others to stake their claim.

“It might be the time to close that chapter, because we have other members of the squad who will hopefully help us qualify in the coming games," said Hodgson. 

"I’d much rather concentrate on the ones who are in the squad and playing than the ones who are not

“I said what I wanted to say when I was obliged to make a statement when John decided to retire from international football.

“But it’s a decision which I accept and respect so it’s important for me to now look to the future for the games in Brazil, if we’re lucky enough to get there.

"All I can do is thank John for the time I spent with him and the matches he played for me and to wish him well in his Chelsea career.”

Three Lions Manager Hodgson also believes there is more than enough experience still in his squad to cover the loss of Terry, as England continue to set their sights on Brazil.

He added: “We have a lot of experience in the team.

“Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are the captain and vice-captain and we have people like Michael Carrick, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson so we have quite a lot of experienced players in the team.

“I think everyone would agree with me that in Parker and Gerrard we’ve got two leader-type figures there who both regularly captain their teams.”