Capello warns Ferdinand he has to be fit for World Cup selection

London, Nov. 8 : England football coach Fabio Capello has warned Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand that his national team call up for next year's World Cup in South Africa will depend solely on him being match fit.

Capello last night ended Ledley King's hopes of making it to South Africa, as the Tottenham defender is no longer able to train properly.

Capello will not tolerate any player who thinks they can fool him by claiming they will recover in time for the big games just to ensure selection for the 23-man squad.

Even if Ferdinand makes a surprise Manchester United return against Chelsea today, Capello is unlikely to risk the player further by taking him to Doha for next week's friendly against Brazil.

News of The World quoted Capello, as saying: 'Rio Ferdinand is one of the best centre-backs in the world but needs to be properly fit to play for England.

'I don't know if he will be fit to play against Chelsea. We will see. Then I will decide about the Brazil game. But, yes, I have heard the rumours he could be out for six or eight weeks. There is still a long time to go to the World Cup. By then I hope he will not have a problem and is playing before we go,' he added.

'If that is the case, there is no problem. But if he is not playing in the games ahead of the World Cup, that is a problem. As it is for every player,' he said.

--ANI