Frank Lampard: 'Rio Ferdinand can still play for England'

Frank Lampard has insisted that Rio Ferdinand still has plenty to give to England at international level.

Manchester United defender Ferdinand was called up to the England squad for the first time since 2011 for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro, but he was forced to withdraw yesterday afternoon due to concerns over his training regime.

That had resulted in some people arguing that the centre-back could not cope with the requirements of playing matches in quick succession at major tournaments.

However, England midfielder Lampard has claimed that Ferdinand can still perform at the top level.

"He's a top-drawer player, he is not finished, you could see that with his performances against Madrid. He is a top performer and at the minute is one of the top defenders in the Premier League," he told reporters.

"I was sorry for him and the team. He's been in fantastic form so losing players of quality, I'm sorry for him but the important thing is now we're here we get the results we need. There are no personal issues, it's about results now.

"When you're 30 or more you have to maintain yourself differently. Rio has picked up a couple of injuries earlier in his career and he's kept on top of himself."

Lampard and Ferdinand came through the ranks together at West Ham United.