Rio Ferdinand is focused on playing for Manchester United and not England

Rio Ferdinand: Defender is focused on playing well for Manchester United after talk of an England recall

Rio Ferdinand insists he is only focused on playing regularly for Manchester United following renewed talk of an England recall.

John Terry's announcement on Sunday that he is retiring from international football has led to suggestions that the door could be reopened for Ferdinand to return to the England fold.

The 33-year-old was left out of the squad for Euro 2012 due to 'footballing reasons' and it is not known whether coach Roy Hodgson will bring Ferdinand back into his plans following Terry's decision.

Ferdinand has never said that his international career was over but, after an impressive display in United's 2-1 win at Liverpool on Sunday, the centre-half says he just wants to focus on matters at Old Trafford.

"Personal performances and accolades come way down the list when you are winning at places like Anfield," he said.

"I have always said I just want a consistent run of games. At the moment that is what I am doing and I am really happy."
Rio Ferdinand

"I have always said I just want a consistent run of games. At the moment that is what I am doing and I am really happy."

Meanwhile, Ferdinand admits he can see a lot of himself in United team-mate Rafael, who scored a fine equaliser at Anfield.

"Rafa is his own worst critic," said Ferdinand of the Brazilian full-back. "He is emotional and sometimes when he makes a mistake he has to make up for it immediately. That comes out in his game at times.

"When I was his age I was a lot like that. I used to be more interested in what was happening in the attacking part of the game and further up the pitch than defensive play.

"I realised it when I went to Leeds at 22. I was more of a maverick under Harry Redknapp at West Ham and when I went to Leeds David O'Leary pulled the reins in and made me think about my defensive duties first.

"He said everything else would come naturally. I speak to Rafa about it similarly and he's a quick learner."