England Names Euro 2012 Squad: Oxlade-Chamberlain Earns Call, Ferdinand Snubbed

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has earned a surprise call-up to England's final Euro 2012 squad.

New manager Roy Hodgson announced the squad Wednesday.

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand was the highest-profile snub. Others included United's Michael Carrick, Norwich City's Grant Holt and Manchester City's Micah Richards.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 18, has never represented England at the senior level having broke into Arsenal's first team this season.

Veteran midfielder Paul Scholes, who came out of retirement this season to help ease Manchester United's midfield crisis, was not selected.

Here's the full lineup, via ESPN Soccernet:

"

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich)

Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton)

Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man Utd), James Milner (Man City)

Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Andy Carroll (Liverpool)

"

The squad announcement prompted a flurry of Twitter activity.

Liverpool tied for the most representatives with four. The most controversial selection among these was midfielder Stewart Downing, who finished the Premier League season with no goals and no assists after a big-money move from Aston Villa last summer.

"

Is Hodgson trying to make it up to Liverpool? That can be the only explanation for including Stewart Downing.

— Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) May 16, 2012"

Hodgson was appointed Liverpool manager at the start of the 2010-11 season and parted ways with the club in January 2011 after a string of poor results.

While Downing's selection was controversial, there is reason to think Hodgson made the right decision.

"

4 - Since August 2010, only Ashley Young (5) has assisted more goals for England than Stewart Downing (4). Selected. #eng

— Opta Sports (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2012"

Oxlade-Chamberlain's inclusion was also controversial for some—but not to one of his teammates.

"

Walcott in the squad to provide guidance to Oxlade-Chamberlain on how to fill the empty hours when you don't play.

— John Brewin (@JohnBrewinESPN) May 16, 2012"

"

Buzzing for @Alex_OxChambo deserve it mate!

— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 16, 2012"

Euro 2012 kicks off June 8, with England's first match coming June 11 against France.

Stay with B/R throughout the day for full England reaction.

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