Ferdinand Solely Focussed on Rio

Here is the story of two internationally recognised sports stars who, having been in the wilderness – albeit it for differing lengths of time – have been handed an olive branch to once again represent their countries. One snatched at the chance of redemption and the other snubbed it.

We’ll start with the latter. 

Rio Ferdinand’s England career is seemingly over then after 81 caps wearing the three lions crest. And if it’s not over, then Roy Hodgson certainly will be thinking it – in agreement with the rest of the nation – even if he doesn’t say so.

"Three Lions in the dirt"

The 34 year old centre half, who has little left to play for domestically this season, as his Manchester United side are streets ahead of their nearest Premier League rivals in the title race, and out of European competition, has strung the national side along in farcical circumstances.

Having confirmed his availability for two forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro, Ferdinand has hastily backtracked citing his troublesome back as the reason for his withdrawal. The problem, as is so often the case, with bad backs is it’s usually something to do with the user’s spine – or lack of it – that causes so much trouble.

The ever so lofty Ferdinand is not picked by England; he chooses when to play for them you see. If this is the former Leeds and West Ham man’s way of getting back at Hodgson for not selecting him for Euro 2012 on grounds of ‘footballing reasons’ then so be it. It remains pertinently petty, personal and pretty pathetic.

He could have made next year’s finals in Brazil. Emphasis on the word could.

England will sweep past San Marino and probably edge out the Montenegrins and it will be a case of “Rio who?” again, hopefully.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted of course. He convinced messrs Scholes and Giggs to do likewise with their international careers and now he has Ferdinand all to himself as well.

However Rio, what is the difference between five Premier League titles and six? No one will really remember you for them. A surprising praise must go in the direction of both Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole at this juncture for their 100 cap milestones in England shirts.

And what of the other fellow, mentioned in the introduction?

A reference, however fleeting, was made to one Shane Watson, who has had quite a week for a cricketer it must be said. 

Watson: back in the fold

From flying home under a cloud having infamously not completed head coach Mickey Arthur’s homework, and having his international future shrouded in doubt, to returning to India eight days later to find that he might be leading the side out in the fourth test versus the hosts, is quite an about turn for anyone at any level. Oh, and he’s also become a father in that time too.

Yes, the vice-captain has had quite a time of it you could say. However, it would appear he has learnt the error of his ways and what a privilege it is to represent the baggy greens, no matter how rotten his, or their, form is.

Nor does it matter to Watson that he is only going to be captaining the side in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke for a game in which the Aussies must avoid defeat to escape a whitewash. 

The side has, with back to back Ashes this year, the equivalent of two world cups in a matter of months and he wants to be part of that because he is: a) proud b) ambitious and c) wanted by his country.

Get the message Rio; you’re none of the above.