By SHAUN CUSTIS
FRANK LAMPARD says his pal Rio Ferdinand loves England as much as ever.
Three Lions ace Lamps said: “Rio hasn’t become unpatriotic overnight.
“He is a very driven man and player. Anything he does in life, he is like that.”
The Manchester United defender, 34, pulled out of the squad because a pre-planned medical programme did not allow him to play in the World Cup qualifiers.
But Lampard, 34, added: “Rio will want to carry on playing good football and giving his best whether it be for Manchester United or England in the future.
“He’s top class. I watched the Madrid game away when he was outstanding and his regular performances for United have been like that.
“In those terms it’s a loss of a player but as a squad we must cover for that.
“I’m sorry for him and the team because he has been in top form and isn’t finished.
“I don’t know the ins and outs of his future — but he’s is one of the Premier League’s top performers right now”
