Rio Ferdinand would "love" England recall

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 04 February 2013

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand confesses that he would "love" to be handed an England recall despite never being selected under Roy Hodgson.

Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he would jump at the chance to represent England again.

The Manchester United defender was omitted from Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 party and has not represented his country since June 2011.

Centre-backs Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Chris Smalling have been preferred to Ferdinand in Hodgson's squad to face Brazil this week.

The Three Lions boss has never selected the 34-year-old and has refused to discuss his England career in public, but Ferdinand is still harbouring hopes of an international recall.

"It is what it is," Ferdinand told #5 magazine. "I'm not being picked. The manager hasn't picked me. If I got picked I'd pack my bags and go straight there.

"I'm no different to anyone else - I love playing for England. If I'm not then I'll keep doing what I'm doing for Manchester United."

Ferdinand has won 81 England caps since debuting as a 19-year-old in 1997.