The defender has never played at a European Championship, despite being the defensive mainstay of two World Cup teams with England.
It is no wonder Rio Ferdinand has come out and said he is determined to go with England to Euro 2012.
The championships are a blot on his CV, having never played in one. He has also not played a competitive tournament with England since 2006.
In Euro 2000 he was close to being picked, making the preliminary squad, but was one of seven players axed when Kevin Keegan selected his final 23.
The defender later said the decision made him re-evaluate himself and become a better player, and it is a valuable lesson those who do not make the final cut this year should learn from.
Four years later, after winning plaudits at World Cup 2002, he only had himself to blame for missing the tournament.
He was made unavailable for selection at Euro 2004 by the FA, after he missed a drugs test.
Ferdinand was handed a nine-month ban, which was imposed in December 2003, banning him from all competitive football until the following Autumn.
Euro 2008 was a non-event for England, failing to qualify under Steve McClaren, leaving Ferdinand still to break his European Championships duck.
Even at the start of the season, Euro 2012 was looking like a bridge too far for him. His injuries, which also ruled him out of World Cup 2010, when he was due to captain the side, appeared to make him a questionable pick.
To his credit, he has handled his fitness well all season, barely missing a league game for United, crucial for them in Nemanja Vidic’s prolonged absence.
His form has thrown him right back into contention, with young prospects like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling failing to dislodge him from the United side, there is no reason why they should prevent him a last hurrah with England.
Instead, it is the ongoing situation with John Terry, who stands accused of allegedly racially abusing his brother Anton, which throws a cloud over Rio’s tournament.
Can he effectively partner Terry in central defence? Can they share a hotel together? For the good of England they will have to put their differences temporarily aside.
Newly installed boss Roy Hodgson has to his credit been right on top of the situation, announcing he wants to broker peace talks with both players.
Considering Ferdinand’s Euro heartbreak in the past, he won’t want to allow anything to stand in his way of playing in the tournament this summer.
Should Rio and Terry go? Should Terry be dropped? Let us know your views…
image: © hitcdc
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