Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was recalled to the England squad by manager Roy Hodgson yesterday for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

Ferdinand, capped 81 times, has not featured for England since June 2011, and was snubbed for the Euro 2012 finals in what Hodgson described as a “footballing decision”.

John Terry’s retirement from international football has left England short of pedigree in the central defensive areas, leading to his recall.

Critics suggested the original reason Ferdinand was omitted from the Euro 2012 squad was because of tensions with Terry, who was involved in a racism row with Ferdinand’s brother Anton.

However, Hodgson said the veteran’s form was the reason he is now restored to the squad.

“I’ve been following him for quite a while now and must have seen United play four or five times in the last five weeks,” Hodgson said.

“He’s playing well, his team are doing extremely well and this is the moment to select him.”

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: B. Foster, J. Hart, F. Forster.

Defenders: L. Baines, G. Cahill, A. Cole, M. Dawson, R. Ferdinand , G. Johnson, C. Smalling, K. Walker.

Midfielders: M. Carrick, T. Cleverley, S. Gerrard, F. Lampard, A. Lennon, J. Milner, L. Osman, S. Parker, A. Oxlade-Chamberlain, T. Walcott, A. Young.

Forwards: J. Defoe, W. Rooney, D. Sturridge, D. Welbeck.

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