RIO NO GO
Published: 29 minutes ago
RIO FERDINAND has pulled out of England's squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header with San Marino and Montenegro.
The Manchester United centre-back was recalled by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson last week after nearly two years in the international wilderness.
But Ferdinand, 34, has today withdrawn over concerns about his fitness programe. Steven Caulker has been promoted from the Under-21s squad to replace him.
Hodgson said: "I'm disappointed Rio will not be available but due to the detailed pre-planned training and medical programme he must follow it's not possible.
"However, I was pleased that Rio called and asked to meet with me.
"It was important to hear from him personally about the way he must manage his body between games.
"This is not to say he cannot play back-to-back games - he can and has proven so.
"He's out this time due to particular pre-planned details already in place for his programme.
"I must place on record how I was impressed with his commitment to playing for England and I look forward to hopefully selecting him for squads in the future."
TEENAGE KICKS ... a 19-year-old Ferdinand makes his England debut against Cameroon
Ferdinand said: "It was important for me to be able to speak with Roy face to face and explain the situation, and one thing I made clear was that my passion and commitment to represent my country is as strong as ever.
"It is disappointing that I won't be able to play a part in the upcoming games but I told Roy that I want to continue to be available for England and I look forward to working with him in the future."
After the international break, United face two matches in three days.
They travel to Sunderland on Saturday March 30 before heading to London for the FA Cup quarter-final replay with Chelsea on Monday April 1.
RIO GRANDE ... Ferdinand celebrates scoring his first England goal against Denmark in the 2002 World Cup
Ferdinand's withdrawal leaves Hodgson with a selection headache after fellow defender Michael Dawson yesterday withdrew from the squad with a hamstring strain picked up in the defeat to Fulham.
Chelsea’s Gary Cahill also tweaked his right knee against West Ham and Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott has already been drafted in.
It comes just two days after club boss Alex Ferguson confirmed his man WOULD link up with England.
END OF THE WORLD ... Ferdinand in tears after England lose on penalties to Portugal in the 2006 World Cup
The Three Lions face minnows San Marino on Friday night then visit Group H leaders Montenegro four days later.
Ferdinand made his Three Lions debut aged 19 as a sub against Cameroon in November 1997.
He has 81 caps for England but has not represented his country since June 2011.
The former West Ham and Leeds United star was left out of the squad for Euro 2012 amid a potential conflict with John Terry.
TAKING THE SWISS ... Ferdinand looks dejected after drawing with Switzerland in his last England game
Terry was due to stand trial over a charge of racially abusing Ferdinand’s brother Anton.
Hodgson stated the decision was made on “footballing reasons”.
But Terry quit international football last September and Ferdinand’s fine form for United this term earned him a recall.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4847439/Rio-Ferdinand-out-of-England-squad.html#ixzz2NtmltlTo
