Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Rio Ferdinand will join England squad

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will accept Roy Hodgson’s England call-up and join the Three Lions squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against San Marino and Montenegro.

Ferguson cast doubt on whether Ferdinand would accept the recall after expressing concern about disruption to the meticulous way the 34-year-old prepares for games.

But following the Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Reading, the Scot admitted the veteran centre-back will report for duty at St George's Park on Monday.

"Rio will be joining up," said Ferguson.

The United boss was also quick to praise the defender, who was lively throughout the victory and even produced a rare assist when he broke forward in the build-up to Wayne Rooney’s winning goal.

"He broke into the midfield very well.

"He has always been good at that. He doesn't do it as much as he used to of course but today it paid off for us."

The win over relegation threatened Reading took United’s lead at the top of the Premeir League to 15 points, but Ferguson insisted the title has not be won yet and that his side cannot afford to be complacent, especially with last year’s upset cemented securely in the back of his mind.

"It has been a great season for us,” he added.

"Most of the time we have been playing well and obviously today doesn't reflect the 15 points ahead we are, it is the previous six months.

“But people can say what they like.

“You don't get points or medals for being complacent and we won't be.”