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England World Cup squad: 'Devastating, gut-wrenching and a bitter pill to swallow' - John Ruddy admits his despair at missing out on England squad

Ruddy has been named on the stand-by list for the summer tournament in Brazil

Jack de Menezes
Monday 12 May 2014 16:20 BST
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John Ruddy (pictured). The Norwich goalkeeper said: 'The manager won’t allow us to think about safety'
John Ruddy (pictured). The Norwich goalkeeper said: 'The manager won’t allow us to think about safety' (Getty Images)

John Ruddy has admitted that he it is a “gut-wrenching feeling” to miss out on the England squad for the World Cup after Roy Hodgson overlooked the Norwich goalkeeper for the 23 players he will take to Brazil.

Ruddy has been put on the seven-man stand-by list that will remain available for the tournament should he be called upon due to any injuries to Joe Hart, Ben Foster or Fraser Forster, but the 27-year-old has spoken of his devastation at being left out for the second major tournament in a row.

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Speaking to Sky Sports after Hodgson had announced his squad, Ruddy said: “I got the phone call last night from Roy and I was obviously very disappointed not to be involved in the squad.

“It is devastating. I had the same thing in the Euros (in 2012), I broke my finger two days into training and missed that one as well.

“I fought back that season and have been involved in every squad I have been available for in the last two years and then to fall at the last hurdle and be told I haven't made it is a bitter pill to swallow.

“That is all I can say. It is really gut-wrenching to be told, but I wish all the lads who are going the best and hope they can go as far as they can.

Ruddy’s misery compounds the despair he already feels after the Canaries’ relegation was confirmed on the weekend through the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, condemning the East Anglian side to the Championship next season.

Ruddy added: “This has been a bad week in my career, but it is something that will make you stronger. I thought I had done enough to make the squad, but it wasn't to be. I had one clean sheet less than Joe Hart, who won the title.

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“Keeping myself fit is something I will be doing anyway and the FA will like to know my whereabouts as I'm on the stand-by list and I will wait to see if a call comes my way.”

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