Ferdinand fears England career is over

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits his England career may well be over, having been overlooked by Roy Hodgson for Euro 2012.

The centre-back’s omission from the squad has dominated the headlines in the build-up to the tournament and Ferdinand has conceded he is unlikely to play international football again.

“You would have to say it might be over with England for me,” he told The Sun.

“If I’m not getting picked now, especially when people are out injured, then it’s unlikely I will be picked again.

“I always said I wouldn’t retire from international football until I stopped playing and I won’t. I will still be available.

“I really hoped that I would get 100 caps – but for various reasons it hasn’t happened.”

Ferdinand also revealed that he was hurt to have missed out on Euro 2012 but has insisted his well-documented fitness problems were not an issue, pointing to his consistent run of games for Manchester United towards the end of the domestic season.

“I might have had a few injury problems in the past but I was in good shape,” he said.

“I played all our games in the run-in, the manager was happy with me, and I was feeling really good. You can’t ask for any more.”

Ferdinand also refused to divulge the reasons Hodgson had given him for leaving him behind, adding only that he wants to keep playing at the top level.

“Of course I was upset not to be in the squad. That’s a perfectly natural reaction,” he said.

“I love being involved in football at the very top. I won’t discuss what Mr Hodgson has said to me but he knows I wanted to be in the squad.

“It’s a disappointment but it just shows you can never take anything for granted in football.

“If you aren’t disappointed by being left at home when your country is playing in tournaments like this then there’s a problem and you shouldn’t be in professional football.

“I’m in this game to achieve as much as I can. I’m paid to win and be a sore loser. I want to play in the big games and win big trophies. If that’s a crime then I’m a criminal.”