Rio Ferdinand recalled to England squad for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro

Rio Ferdinand has been called up to the England squad for the first time under manager Roy Hodgson.

The England boss included the Manchester United defender among his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro later this month.

The 34-year-old has not featured for the national side since June 2011, with Hodgson citing "football reasons" for his exclusion in the past.

Discussing the decision to call him up, Hodgson said: "I've been following him for quite a while now and must have seen United play for our five times in the last five weeks.

"He's playing well, his team are doing extremely well and this is the moment to select him because he deserves it on current form and hopefully he can help us win the next two matches because that's the most important thing.

"In the past I've chosen other players but at the moment I think Rio is the right man. If Rio Ferdinand is still playing in 2014 like he is now he is going to be major candidate for the squad."

Hosgson also revealed he did not tell Ferdinand ahead of today's official release of the squad, telling the media: "I preferred it to be a nice surprise. I didn't consider talking to him."

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