World Cup

Rio Ferdinand: 'Carrick is the best holding midfielder England have'

By Sam Hughes, Reporter | 08 June 2014

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Michael Carrick is "under-appreciated" by England and is "the best holding midfielder" they have.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Michael Carrick should be part of the England squad, describing him as "the best holding midfielder England have".

England boss Roy Hodgson left Carrick out of his squad for Brazil, taking the likes of Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere ahead of the former Tottenham Hotspur man.

Ferdinand believes that England would be stronger with Carrick and claimed that the 32-year-old is "under-appreciated" for the national side.

"He's been under-appreciated in an England shirt and never had the respect he deserves. He's the best holding midfielder England have. He knows the role," Ferdinand told the Mail on Sunday.

Ferdinand added: "I would love more than to see Roy Hodgson's team reach a quarter-final showdown with World Cup hosts Brazil. But if I was a betting man I would not risk money on England getting out of Group D, let alone making it within sight of the semi-finals.

"I'm not damning their chances completely, but let's have a bit of realism and accept that there are three teams in the section who have a shot at progressing, and three into two doesn't go."

Ferdinand, who is currently a free agent after being released by United, earned 81 caps for England.