John Terry has been included in the England squad for the first two 2014 World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Ukraine.

John Terry and Steven Gerrard

The Chelsea captain has been named in Roy Hodgson’s 24-man squad despite currently facing an FA charge of using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour, which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race, towards Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand.

Terry denies the charge. A date for a hearing is yet to be set.

Captain Steven Gerrard also returns to the squad, as do Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who missed the friendly win over Italy through injury.

Striker Wayne Rooney has not been included after sustaining a thigh injury last weekend against Fulham which could rule him out for up to two months.

Despite being out of favour at Liverpool, Andy Carroll was included alongside fellow forwards Jermain Defoe, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck.

Goalkeepers Jack Butland and John Ruddy and Chelsea full-back Ryan Bertrand have all been recalled after they made their senior England debuts against Italy in Berne two weeks ago.

England travel to Moldova for the first game on Friday September 7 before they host Ukraine at Wembley four days later.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Joe Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City). Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur). Midfielders: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Sunderland), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal). Forwards: Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

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