Ferdinand exits squad but Hodgson says England door remains open

Ferdinand travelled to London on Sunday to explain personally to Hodgson why it was impossible for him to accept a return to the Three Lions fold at this time.

As United manager Sir Alex Ferguson outlined on Friday, there were huge concerns at Old Trafford over the disruption to a long-standing schedule United’s medical staff have put in place for Ferdinand, which has enabled him to reach such a consistently high level of performances this season.

Had Hodgson spoken to Ferdinand ahead of Thursday’s squad announcement, it is possible the 34-year-old’s training regime could have been altered.

However, as the former Leeds United captain did not learn of his first call-up under Hodgson until the same time as everyone else, it meant there was no room for manoeuvre.

It is what Ferguson knew on Friday, but Ferdinand felt he had to explain to Hodgson in person given the bad blood created over the player’s omission from Euro 2012.

That move could pave the way for Ferdinand’s return in the summer.

“I’m disappointed Rio will not be available, but due to the detailed pre-planned training and medical programme he must follow it’s not possible,” said Hodgson.

“However, I was pleased that Rio called and asked to meet with me. It was important to hear from him personally about the way he must manage his body between games.

“This is not to say he cannot play back-to-back games – he can and has proven so. He’s out this time due to particular pre-planned details already in place for his programme. I was impressed with his commitment to playing for England and I look forward to hopefully selecting him for squads in the future.”

Ferdinand said he was “gutted” at having to withdraw, but insisted it was the “right decision”.

While friendlies against the Republic of Ireland on May 29 and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on June 2 do not look like obvious games in which to extend his 81-cap career, the fact he can do so in a less pressurised environment, and after the domestic season has finished, make it more likely.

That would ease Ferdinand back into the fray in time for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in the autumn.

In addition, Ferdinand’s contract situation will also have been resolved as the prospect of ignoring United’s medical strategy, and possibly getting injured on international duty, could have wrecked any hope he had of remaining at Old Trafford.

Yet it is baffling Hodgson generated five days of headlines without first asking Ferguson whether the player was actually fit.

It also comes as a blow as Spurs’ Michael Dawson withdrew on Sunday. Steven Caulker and Joleon Lescott have been drafted into the squad to join Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling, the other central defenders originally chosen.