Ferdinand withdrawal could signal end to England career

After his exclusion from England’s Euro 2012 squad due to ‘footballing reasons’, many expected Rio Ferdinand to call time on his international career.

But after leaving the door open for Roy Hodgson to select him, the Manchester United star has played himself back into the England reckoning amidst a terrific season for the league leaders.

However, after receiving a call-up from Hodgson, Ferdinand has now withdrawn from the squad, citing the need to adhere to an ‘intricate pre-planned training programme.’

As such, Ladbrokes are offering punters the chance to bet on the central defender ever appearing for England again, with 8/11 the price that Ferdinand wears the Three Lions once more, whilst he is 6/1 to captain his country another time.

The 34-year-old, capped 81 times, maintains that his passion and commitment to represent England is as strong as ever, and claims he has outlined this to Hodgson.

Therefore, the 1/1 that he announces his international retirement before the end of the season may be best avoided.

But the 1/1 odds that Ferdinand fails to play international football again does look attention-worthy, as the rigours of performing in the Premier League continue to take their toll on the classy defender.

Indeed, some welcomed his absence from the England squad last year, feeling that his club performances did not warrant international recognition.

Ferdinand has undoubtedly been back to his best this season, but there is no guarantee he will carry that form into next term, and he could very well fall down the England pecking order again by the time future squads are selected.

Obvious concerns remain regarding his fitness also, hence the need for a personal training regime, and should such commitments remain a necessity, they are unlikely to fit into an international training schedule.

As such, despite Ferdinand’s insistence that he wishes to play for his country again, it may be worth taking the 1/1 odds that he has played his final game for the Three Lions.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.