End of the road for Rio

Rio Fedinand: Former captain admits his England career looks to be over

Rio Ferdinand has admitted that his England career looks to be over, ending his dream of winning 100 international caps.

Ferdinand, 33, was controversially overlooked for Euro 2012 by new manager Roy Hodgson - a move that drew criticism in the first instance and even more so when the inexperienced Martin Kelly was chosen to replace Gary Cahill when he withdrew through injury.

Hodgson is adamant his decision is a footballing one and is not related to any off-field issues, with John Terry due to stand trial in July charged with racially abusing Ferdinand's brother, Anton. Terry denies the charges.

With the former West Brom coach at the start of a four-year contract, Manchester Unuted defender Ferdinand is ready to regretfully close the book on his England days - albeit without formally retiring.

"You would have to say it might be over with England for me. If I'm not getting picked now, especially when people are out injured, then it's unlikely I will be picked again."
Rio Ferdinand Quotes of the week

"You would have to say it might be over with England for me. If I'm not getting picked now, especially when people are out injured, then it's unlikely I will be picked again," he told The Sun.

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

Sore loser

Ferdinand would probably have a century of caps in the bank already were it not for a series of injury problems and an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test in 2003.

"I really hoped that I would get 100 caps - but for various reasons it hasn't happened," he said.

"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."