Rio Ferdinand will join up with England squad, says Sir Alex Ferguson

• Defender will answer Roy Hodgson's call, manager says
• Scot had previously expressed doubts over England move

by Jamie Jackson 2 months ago

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed after Manchester United's 1-0 victory against Reading that Rio Ferdinand will join up with England, despite having hinted on Friday that the defender may not be made available due to concerns over his ability to recover from the increased workload.

Since announcing Ferdinand's inclusion in his squad on Thursday, Roy Hodgson had been engaged in a frantic effort to ensure Ferdinand would report for duty, assuring Ferguson and Manchester United's medical staff that the 34-year-old's fitness regime would not be disrupted by the World Cup double header with San Marino and Montenegro.

While it is understood that, when he woke on Saturday, Ferdinand was leaning towards rejecting Hodgson's offer of an international comeback, the England manager's persuasive interventions appear to have proved decisive.

After United's win, Ferguson was asked if Ferdinand would meet up with the squad. "He will be joining up," he replied.

Although Ferdinand has always stated he was keen to represent England again, he was also aware of his club duties and has a keen sense of loyalty to Ferguson. He felt less strongly towards Hodgson, especially given how the England manager discarded him ahead of Euro 2012 and chose John Terry instead.