Jonas Olsson has dismissed speculation that Roy Hodgson did not make the decision to omit Rio Ferdinand from his England side.

The Sweden international, who starred under Hodgson at West Bromwich Albion, insists that the former Baggies boss would not have taken the national job if he wasn't allowed to make his own decisions.

"I don't know what has happened," he said. "There was a spot to be filled. The fact that Rio didn't get it is amazing.

"I am sure Hodgson has not been influenced in this matter. He wouldn't have taken the job if decisions to be made weren't on his terms.

"His strength is his enormous authority."

Sweden begin Euro 2012 against co-hosts Ukraine next week.