Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect England manager Roy Hodgson to recall Rio Ferdinand following John Terry’s decision to quit the national team.
Manchester United defender Ferdinand has not played for England since the summer of 2011 and was not included in Hodgson’s squad for Euro 2012.
“I wouldn’t think he will get called up,” said Ferguson.
“Roy Hodgson made his decision before the European Championship and I can’t see him changing that.
He added: “It would be difficult for him now to go back to Rio Ferdinand and welcome him back.”
Ferdinand, 33, who has 81 caps for his country, was not selected for Euro 2012.
Chelsea captain Terry – who was selected for the finals in Poland and Ukraine – had been charged with racially abusing Ferdinand’s younger brother Anton during a Premier League match between QPR and Chelsea last October.
But England manager Hodgson insisted Ferdinand’s omission was solely for “footballing reasons”.
In July, Terry was cleared of the charge at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. However, on Thursday a Football Association hearing found Terry guilty of racially abusing Ferdinand, banning him for four games and issuing a £220,000 fine.
There had been speculation that Terry’s decision to retire from international duty on Sunday would clear the way for Ferdinand to return.
But Ferguson said: “It would be difficult. You never know. I don’t know if Rio would do it – I haven’t asked him.”
Ferguson also confirmed central defender Nemanja Vidic is out for two months after knee surgery.
The 70-year-old hopes another of his defenders, Chris Smalling, recovering from a broken foot, will be ready to return after the international break in three weeks’ time.
Midfielder Antonio Valencia is also doubtful for Saturday’s game against Tottenham after picking up an injury against Liverpool.
BBC Sport
