The 22-year-old Leeds centre-back recently completed a 100-hour community service sentence for his conviction for affray.

But he was not picked for the game at his home ground, with the reasoning apparently being to prevent pressure on him while ensuring the squad’s World Cup preparations are not adversely affected.

Ridsdale told the News of the World: ‘‘I can only hope that his omission is purely on football grounds.

‘‘I would be very disturbed if any external influences had been brought to bear to prevent Sven-Goran Eriksson picking his best squad for the Italy game and, ultimately, for the World Cup.’’

It was accepted that while he has a bright international future ahead of him, Woodgate’s criminal record would still rule him out of membership of the official England supporters’ club.

But Ridsdale added: ‘‘Anyone who thinks Jonathan should not be picked for England should remember he has been through the courts and he has served his sentence.

‘‘He now ought to be free to go on and play for Leeds and England. That must happen otherwise others are adding further penalties and that’s just not how the justice system operates in this country.

‘‘The bottom line is that Jonathan has fulfilled his obligation to the court through completing his community service and he has already been banned by the FA for more than two years.

‘‘Those people who want to see him banned for life for a misdemeanour that the courts decided was worthy of 100 hours’ community service, I think their views are highly inappropriate and misguided.’’

Leeds United Supporters Club chairman Ray Fell was even more incensed by the decision to leave out Woodgate.

He told the Sunday People: ‘‘It’s hugely disappointing because Woodgate has taken his punishment and is playing well enough to be picked for the England side.

‘‘Elland Road would have been the ideal place for him to be picked for his first game back because there will be a lot of Leeds fans there and they would have really got behind him.

‘‘You have to wonder how long this is going to keep coming back to haunt him.

‘‘He has taken his punishment and he should be allowed to get on with his England career.

‘‘Players have committed far more serious crimes than Woody and still gone on to represent England.’’

Lee Bowyer, cleared of assault and affray in the same court case, was available for selection but was not selected due to his poor recent form and lack of games.