Former Toon Star Defends Ferdinand!

Former Newcastle defender Sol Campbell has defended Rio Ferdinand's decision to withdraw from the England squad, and believes the Manchester United defender still has an international future. Sol Campbell: "I know what Rio is going through because international football does take a lot out of you. "If you have a regime, a way of playing and a routine then playing for your country requires a lot more effort. "If you are in a routine and happy with that and then you are looking to play another game it can be demanding on the body. "Playing for England can put a lot of demands on your body. And then you have to get back and play for your club. "If you haven't put that into your routine and no-one has told you that they are thinking about putting you in a month ago then it's hard to put it in. "He (Rio) said he would love to be involved in the next one. "It's just a crucial moment for England and Manchester United so it's a difficult for him to decide. It's physical. International football and the travelling is demanding. "People need to talk and work it out. I think it was just a shock to Rio because he was thinking, 'Well, I haven't got a chance and then all of a sudden with a few injuries he had a chance.' It was surprising." Source: Newcastle United Mad

Source: FOOTYMAD