Sir Alex Ferguson has said that experience will be vital when England play at Euro 2012.

The Manchester United manager has backed Phil Jones and Chris Smalling for a place in Roy Hodgson's squad, but said that Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Gary Cahill will be crucial to England's chances in Poland and Ukraine.

"Experience is going to be important in the European Championships," warned Ferguson. "I think Phil Jones and Chris Smalling should go but they have not played a lot of football this season in terms of centre-back play, so you go back to what you are left with.

"You have John Terry and Rio Ferdinand and Gary Cahill. Then you have Jones and Smalling. There is not a lot after that."

Hodgson is expected to name his squad for the tournament at the end of the Premier League season.