Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has branded Roy Hodgson's treatment of Rio Ferdinand as "disgraceful" as the saga over his international career rumbles on.
Ferdinand was recalled to the England squad last week but decided to withdraw yesterday, citing concerns over his training and recovery regime.
Wright believes that Hodgson's face-to-face meeting with Ferdinand on Sunday came too late and left a potential starter for the Three Lions on the sidelines unnecessarily.
He told The Sun: "Roy Hodgson should take a long, hard look at himself. Like his predecessor Fabio Capello, he has handled Rio Ferdinand spectacularly badly.
"While Capello was not always known for his people skills, Hodgson has a reputation for being more approachable and hands-on. But his treatment of Rio has been disgraceful. I blame Hodgson along with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, who has played a part in the player being put in an impossible situation.
"At the very least, Hodgson should have been aware about this programme before he called up the player. All of this would have been avoided had there been some proper communication between Rio and Hodgson. This is not the player's fault."
Tottenham Hotspur defender Steven Caulker has been drafted in as Ferdinand's replacement for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.
Liam Power
