Defender Rio Ferdinand withdrew from the England squad yesterday for their next two World Cup qualifiers after telling coach Roy Hodgson his pre-planned training regime would prevent him from playing.

Hodgson named Ferdinand in his squad for the first time for the Group H qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro, but said when he announced his squad on Thursday he had not spoken to the player first.

If he had done so, he might have avoided a potentially embarrassing situation following the 34-year-old’s withdrawal.

Hodgson had left the Manchester United centre-back out of his Euro 2012 squad for “footballing reasons” amid media speculation it was connected to the John Terry saga.

In a statement, the English FA said the decision to withdraw Ferdinand was taken following a meeting between the player and Hodgson in London on Sunday.

Hodgson said: “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.”

Ferdinand made clear the withdrawal was not a snub.

“It was important for me to be able to speak with Roy face to face and explain the situation, and one thing I made clear was that my passion and commitment to represent my country is as strong as ever,” he said.