Rio Ferdinand to put injury woes behind him at World Cup 2010

14/05/2010

Rio Ferdinand has insisted that England fans booking World Cup 2010hospitality packages this summer can look forward to seeing a fully fit version of the nation's captain.

Although a series of injuries disrupted his season at Manchester United, the defender told the Daily Mail there are no lingering doubts over his physical condition for next month's finals.

"Listen, I'm fit … It has never even crossed my mind that injury would put me out of the tournament," Ferdinand said.

The 31-year-old also suggested he would have been quick to rule himself out of Fabio Capello's squad for World Cup 2010 if the injury problems had persisted.

"I'd never put myself in a position where I was wearing an England shirt if I was less than physically ready," the former West Ham United player explained.

Ferdinand is one of six central defenders named in Capello's provisional 30-man squad, alongside Jamie Carragher, Michael Dawson, Ledley King, John Terry and Matthew Upson.

England's first World Cup game takes place in Rustenburg on June 12th, when they face the USA.

Posted by Katie Leake