Not the biggest shock ever.

Brilliant news.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Roy Hodgson: "I'm disappointed Rio will not be available, but due to the detailed medical programme he must follow it's not possible...

It is really odd that he cant play in these games because of his medical regime, but still wants to be available in the future. Obviously we dont know the intricacies of his regime, but will circumstances really change in the future? Will he ever be in the position to play for his country again? It all seems very odd to me.

Guess his back can't take the extra games this late in the season. Glad he gets a rest before the run-in.

More games = Higher chance of a drugs test.

He's already started celebrating the league title, no need to take a risk.

Don't be silly Alv

Ashley cole wouldnt shake his hand!?

I hear he smokes crack every time he wins the league.

comment by _☃ Captain Ruiney™ 19 - Unlisted 'Till I Die (U1005)
posted 47 seconds ago
I hear he smokes crack every time he wins the league.
--------------------------

That is a serious habit!

Judging by his body composition, Ruiney, it is much more often than that.

Arab - he has history. Not turning up at all beats forgetting to go

Ian McGarry ‏@garbosj
I feel sorry for Rio Ferdinand. Defying SAF puts his club career on the line yet he was clearly keen to return. Invidious position.#England

In what way has he defied Ferguson?

When it comes to England, Rio is like Becks in the wat he desperately wants to play for them

If he says he can't manage it. He can't

If he had played for England, A-Rab. He didn't defy Fergie and pulled out, that is the point being made in the tweet.

So predictable, Roy needs to end his international career if he can't be bothered to turn up. Sends a bad message if you're being given the runaround by a 34 year old has been. Yet again United players showing contempt for the national team.

yet again United players getting their priorities right. After all United are much bigger than England on any criteria you wish to mention.

"I was pleased that Rio called and asked to meet with me," Hodgson added. "It was important to hear from him personally about the way he must manage his body between games.

"This is not to say he cannot play back-to-back games - he can and has proven so. He's out this time due to particular pre-planned details already in place for his programme.

"I must place on record how I was impressed with his commitment to playing for England and I look forward to hopefully selecting him for squads in the future."

"Rio pulls out of England"

Did anyone else's mind go to a very different place or is my mind just corrupted?

'pre-planned details', sound like dodgy injections to me.

Time to move on from Rio...

Hopefully, Smalling starts getting a chance.

Brilliant news if you ask me. I don't see the point in him playing for England when we're hardly successful. I'm glad he's made the right choice and I'm sure England's other CB will be able to cover for him until he deems himself fit. I mean, it's only World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

I hope that Smalling is chosen to replace him.

i knew the minute Fergie said on saturday that he would be joining up with the england squad that it wasnt going to happen. it took the sptlight away from Fergie getting blamed. I think it is the right decision, doubt if Hodgson would have taken him to Brazil. Great that Vidic is now also retired.

Caulker has been called up to replace Rio