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Ferdinand doubt for England, says Fergie
By Joe Bernstein - Last updated at 21:27pm on 22nd March 2008
Manchester United effectively ruled Rio Ferdinand out of England's friendly against France on Wednesday, leaving manager Fabio Capello bracing himself for more withdrawals after today's matches.
Ferdinand, a doubt for Manchester United's game against Liverpool today after missing two games with a back injury, is unlikely to get the blessing of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to travel to Paris, whatever his role at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Training: Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand
Ferguson revealed: "I doubt whether he will be playing for England, to be honest with you."
The timing of England's friendly in France could not come at a worse time for the managers of the so-called Big Four.
They all play in potential title deciders today and face two important games, including Champions League quarter-final first legs, in the week following the international at Stade de France.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has already questioned the validity of friendly internationals at such an important stage of the season for club sides and Capello will be anxious to see how many of his players from Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool withdraw after today's games. Almost half of his original squad of 30 play for the top four teams in the country. The 13 are: Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown (all Manchester United); Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard (all Chelsea); Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard (both Liverpool) and Theo Walcott (Arsenal).
By Joe Bernstein - Last updated at 21:27pm on 22nd March 2008
Manchester United effectively ruled Rio Ferdinand out of England's friendly against France on Wednesday, leaving manager Fabio Capello bracing himself for more withdrawals after today's matches.
Ferdinand, a doubt for Manchester United's game against Liverpool today after missing two games with a back injury, is unlikely to get the blessing of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to travel to Paris, whatever his role at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Ferguson revealed: "I doubt whether he will be playing for England, to be honest with you."
The timing of England's friendly in France could not come at a worse time for the managers of the so-called Big Four.
They all play in potential title deciders today and face two important games, including Champions League quarter-final first legs, in the week following the international at Stade de France.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has already questioned the validity of friendly internationals at such an important stage of the season for club sides and Capello will be anxious to see how many of his players from Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool withdraw after today's games. Almost half of his original squad of 30 play for the top four teams in the country. The 13 are: Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown (all Manchester United); Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Frank Lampard (all Chelsea); Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard (both Liverpool) and Theo Walcott (Arsenal).