Rio Ferdinand not giving up hope of England return

Manchester United defender has not featured since June 2011

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has not given up hope of appearing for England again.

Ferdinand has not featured for the Three Lions since June 2011 and many thought his international career was over when he was left out of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad.

The England boss insisted Ferdinand's non-selection was nothing to do with the possibility of disharmony between the United centre-back and John Terry, who who was included in the squad despite awaiting trial over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother Anton.

The Chelsea defender was cleared of the charge at Westminster Magistrates' Court last July but was handed a four-match domestic ban after being found guilty by an independent Football Association regulatory commission.

Ferdinand was at the centre of attention once more in October when Hodgson publicly apologised after discussing his international future with passengers on the London Underground.

The experiences have not soured the 34-year-old's desire to return to the England fold, however.

"I'm no different to anyone else - I love playing for England. If I'm not then I'll keep doing what I'm doing for Manchester United," the 34-year-old told £5 magazine in quotes published by BBC Sport.

"I'm not being picked. The manager hasn't picked me. If I got picked I'd pack my bags and go straight there."

Ferdinand has been capped 81 times by England, with his last appearance coming against Switzerland in a European Championship qualifier last year.

PA