RIO: ENGLAND HOPES OVER

[RoterTeufel]

RIO: ENGLAND HOPES OVER

RIO FERDINAND has given up on his England dream after learning Roy Hodgson will NOT pick him.

Ferdinand was desperate to return for this month’s World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Poland.

But it is understood he has found out Hodgson does not plan to select him for his squad, which will be announced on Thursday.

The path was clear for the Manchester United star's comeback after John Terry revealed eight days ago he was quitting international football, in protest at the FA charging him with racially abusing Ferdinand’s brother Anton, of QPR.

Terry was found guilty last Thursday but 33-year-old Ferdinand’s desire to add to his 81 caps has been thwarted by Hodgson.

Hodgson was at Old Trafford on Saturday to see the former England skipper have a difficult game in the shock 3-2 defeat by Tottenham, although the previous weekend he was widely acknowledged to have been the best defender on the pitch in the victory at Liverpool.

His comeback hopes were not helped by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisting this weekend he should concentrate on extending his club career and shun international football.