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England manager Roy Hodgson says he would want further discussions about Rio Ferdinand's fitness before considering whether to give the defender an international return.
Hodgson picked Ferdinand in his initial squad for the World Cup double-header against San Marino and Montenegro, only for the defender to withdraw, citing an "intricate" and "pre-planned" training programme.
The 34-year-old then travelled to Qatar to commentate on England's hammering of San Marino, a move which was widely seen as an own goal by the Manchester United defender.
Hodgson said: "If he is going to play in the future there will have to be further discussions, not least about his fitness programme and his club.
"But I have absolutely nothing to add to what I said when his name came up before and I have no interest in discussing someone who isn't here."
The England manager was however happy to discuss the form of Ferdinand's replacements, Joleon Lescott and Chris Smalling, who played in the 1-1 draw with Montenegro.
"The two centre-backs did very well," Hodgson added.
"Smalling was excellent and Joleon Lescott did a very good job as well.
"I would have thought if there are two players who deserve to come out of this game with credit rather than any negativity it is the two centre-backs.
"Certainly it would be extremely unfair to suggest it was the performance of Smalling and Lescott which culminated in us drawing the game rather than winning
it."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12016/8601972/England-boss-Roy-Hodgson-wants-further-discussions-about-Rio-Ferdinand-s-fitness-before-considering-picking-him.