Gary Neville: "The door is not closed on Rio Ferdinand"

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 01 October 2012

Gary Neville admits that Rio Ferdinand will only be recalled to the England squad if he is going to be part of Roy Hodgson's starting lineup.

England coach Gary Neville has insisted that his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand could still have an international future.

Manager Roy Hodgson, who took control of the Three Lions in May, had preferred Chelsea skipper John Terry to Ferdinand for Euro 2012 and recent squads.

However, Terry's decision to retire earlier this month has led to speculation that Ferdinand may now receive a call from Hodgson.

Despite being adamant that Hodgson has not ruled out the possibility of recalling 33-year-old Ferdinand, Neville has revealed that he will only be picked if the manager views him as part of his starting lineup.

"Roy Hodgson has already said that he will not take 34 and 35-year-olds to the World Cup and sit them in the stands," Neville told Sky Sports News. "I've seen that happen in previous squads and it's been divisive. It would be divisive in this squad so it is the correct decision.

"The door is not closed on Rio Ferdinand but he won't be sat in the stands. If he gets selected by Roy Hodgson he will be the first name on the team sheet."

Ferdinand has earned 81 caps for his country.