John Terry's England comeback would make a mockery of FA clampdown To coin a Roy Hodgson expression, "footballing reasons" must now be considered. The logic of recalling such an experienced centre-half will undoubtedly present itself to Hodgson. England are in grim dogfight to qualify for the World Cup, and the likeliest route appears the play-offs. Hodgson will need tough competitors for the remaining games early next season and the anticipated home-and-away duel in November. A pragmatist at heart, Hodgson brought back Rio Ferdinand and was then spectacularly snubbed. Pity. Ferdinand has been the most accomplished English centre-half this season and would stroll into Hodgson's defence. Hodgson's unrequited wooing of Ferdinand indicated the manager's reservations about his central-defensive options. The heart of England's defence has become his most problematical area. The obvious solution is to partner Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, hope they stay fit and forge an understanding. They are young, gifted, and want to learn. They could be first-choice for England and United for a decade. If they stay fit. If. After Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka has been the best English centre-half this season. Gary Cahill, Joleon Lescott and Steven Caulker are other strong options. None of that trio is a guaranteed starter with his club. A senior England player recently confided during the exile of Ferdinand and Terry that he would willingly have both back. He dismissed any fears of disharmony in the squad provoked by their return. If Ferdinand would have been greeted warmly, in reality some players may have had issues with Terry. He can be a divisive figure. Yet at Euro 2012, Terry kept a low profile off the pitch and rivalled Steven Gerrard as one of England's few leading lights on it. Yet on the day that the FA sent out a message about the importance of role models following Luis Suárez's biting offence, Terry hardly deserves to be given the red-carpet treatment by England. Anyway, Terry should focus on sorting out his Chelsea future, becoming first choice again, before even dreaming of an England future.