Either Rio Ferdinand is fit enough to play for England, or he isn’t. And judging by Ferdinand’s decision today to pull out of the England squad because he’s unprepared for England’s fitness and medical program, then what on earth is Ferdinand wanting to play for England again if his body isn’t fit enough to play two games for England over a fortnight?

“The issue is not that [the amount of games], the issue is his whole preparation for football today,” said Ferguson. “Because he hasn’t been playing international football when the international breaks have come along we have detailed all the things he has to do: when he trains, when his treatments come along. Therefore it is a disruption to his normal preparation.”

If it’s a disruption to his normal preparation of a one-on-one tailored physical program, maybe it’d be wise for Ferdinand to retire from international duty. What would happen, for example, if Ferdinand was selected for the 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil? It’s time for Ferdinand and Ferguson to say no more England matches, so younger players such as Steven Caulker can slot in to the team on a regular basis instead.

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