Rio Ferdinand is not finished for England, insists Frank Lampard

Rio’s still got it: Frank Lampard backs his former team-mate (Picture: Getty Images)

Frank Lampard insists Rio Ferdinand's England career is not over despite the defender withdrawing from Roy Hodgson's squad.

The Manchester United defender took the controversial decision to excuse himself from the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro in order to keep in line with a fitness program devised for him by his club.

Ferdinand, 34, has not played for England under Hodgson, and his snub was widely viewed as the final nail in his international coffin, but Lampard is adamant his former West Ham team-mate is not washed up.

'He’s a top-drawer player Rio, and he’s certainly not finished,' Lampard said.

'Looking at his performances against (Real) Madrid, especially away, he was outstanding.

Fitness issues: Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United (Picture: EPA)

'Regular performances week-in and week-out, he’s a top performer, has been and still is.

'I don’t know the ins and outs of his future but the way he’s playing at the minute he one of the top defenders in the Premier League for sure.'

Lampard also said he understood the reasons for Ferdinand’s withdrawal, acknowledging that older players need to take extra care as they look to prolong their careers.

The 34-year-old added: 'Being one of the older lads, once you pass 30 years of age you have to manage yourself differently, maintain yourself, train more, train less, rest periods…particularly lads who have picked up injuries.

'I know Rio picked up a few injuries earlier in his career and he’s been very disciplined in keeping on top of himself to make sure he gets the most out of his career, so a lot of respect for that, and everyone is different.'

~Metro » Football | Metro UK~