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Hodgson considering Rio recall for England

ESPN staff
March 12, 2013
Rio Ferdinand could be recalled by England © PA Photos
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England manager Roy Hodgson is "torn" over whether to recall Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, according to a report in the Sun.

Hodgson has overlooked Ferdinand for what he infamously described as "football reasons", but a lack of options due to fitness and form have led to suggestions the United centre-back could be called upon.

Ferdinand, 34, has not played for England since June 2011, but his experience could be utilised when the Three Lions face San Marino and Montenegro in their World Cup qualifiers on March 22 and 26 respectively.

Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling started in the centre of defence in England's last game as they defeated Brazil 2-1, but the former has recently been unconvincing for Chelsea while the latter has not played for United since the beginning of March.

Everton's Phil Jagielka is currently out with an ankle injury, Joleon Lescott has struggled for regular first-team football at Manchester City while Stoke's Ryan Shawcross endured a difficult England debut against Sweden.

Michael Dawson has been in impressive form for Tottenham of late while Newcastle's Steven Taylor has also been mooted for a first international cap.

Taylor said: "It's flattering to hear people talk about me and England. It's amazing because of the amount of times I've tried to get in."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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