Harry Redknapp: 'Ferdinand better off without England'

Harry Redknapp has advised Rio Ferdinand to forget about playing for England as he is better off without international commitments.

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss said that the 33-year-old defender will be able to continue playing at the highest level domestically for longer if he remains out of the England set-up.

"At this time of his life, does Rio really need trips with England?" The Sun quotes Redknapp as saying.

"I don't think he needs all that aggro any more. He still has a couple of years left in him at the very top level - maybe more if he is not playing for England."

Ferdinand has not featured for England under current boss Roy Hodgson, who recently caused controversy when video footage of him publicly declaring that the defender's international career is over surfaced online.

Redknapp added: "If he's not wanted then he shouldn't waste his time even thinking about England.

"Concentrate on playing for your club. Focus on that and he probably won't miss England. He's not exactly been a regular for a while now and has had his injuries.

"Were Rio in his prime then this would be a bombshell. But Rio should listen to his body."

Redknapp, who has been out of football since leaving Spurs over the summer, was strongly linked with the England post before the FA handed it to Hodgson.