Don’t quit, Rio! Hodgson: You could still have a World Cup future

Posted Tuesday, June 05, 2012 by The Sun

Don’t quit, Rio! Hodgson: You could still have a World Cup future
RIO'S RETURN? ... door has been left open for snubbed Ferdinand

ENGLAND boss Roy Hodgson has told Rio Ferdinand: You still have an international future.

The Manchester United star is furious at TWICE being snubbed for the Euro 2012 squad.

Hodgson has insisted Ferdinand, 33, was left out for “footballing reasons” though many believe it was because of his bitter fall-out with John Terry.

But Hodgson has made it known to Ferdinand he could still be considered for England’s World Cup qualifying campaign beginning in September.

Ferdinand’s agent and pal Jamie Moralee blasted Hodgson for leaving Rio out of the original squad and calling up Liverpool rookie Martin Kelly to replace the crocked Gary Cahill.

Moralee said: “It’s a lack of respect. He wants to play. Rio’s very disappointed.”

Ferdinand, though, threw his support behind his pals, tweeting: “Just so we don’t get it twisted here, I’ll be in a pub somewhere supporting England this summer! Love the lads!”

The injury-hit defender had featured only once in 10 internationals when the squad was named.

Hodgson does not want to end Ferdinand’s England career as fellow centre-half Terry’s international future could hang on the outcome of his court case next month.

He faces a racially-aggravated public order charge over comments he is alleged to have made to Rio’s brother Anton in last season’s QPR-Chelsea game.

England’s squad fly to Krakow tomorrow. Their first training session in Poland will be on Thursday before Monday’s opener with France in Ukraine.