Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has confirmed his retirement from England internal international duty.

It means that English boss Roy Hodgson will have to look at alternatives for the Republic of Ireland Ireland and Brazil friendlies given Chris Smalling is injured and Joleon Lescott out of form.

Without actually playing a game, Ferdinand has dominated Hodgson’s reign so far. And the England boss paid due tribute to the former West Ham man this morning. “It is important to pay tribute to someone of Rio’s stature and the achievements he had in a senior international career with England over 14 years at the highest level.

“To have captained his country, to play at three World Cups and indeed score in one of those, marks him out amongst a very special group of players. I appreciated the call from Rio to inform me of his decision, which clearly he had spent much time considering before reaching this point.

“I wish him all the best in his club career, and I’m sure the former managers he played under and every England fan will join me in thanking him for his service.”

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington added: "On behalf of The FA I'd like to thank Rio for his commitment to England. He came through the ranks from the U17s team and earned 81 senior caps for England, an amazing achievement.

"He has had a great career with the national team and was part of three World Cup squads. Rio has explained his decision to the England manager Roy Hodgson and we wish him all the best for the future."