England manager Roy Hodgson said: "To have captained his country, and to play at three World Cups, marks him out among a very special group of players.I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under-17s upwards.Ferdinand has not played for England since a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June 2011.I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments.He was recalled by Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro in March, but later withdrew because of a "pre-planned fitness programme".On Thursday, Hodgson will name his England squad for the end-of-season friendlies against Republic of Ireland at Wembley on 29 May and Brazil in Rio de Janiero four days later.Ferdinand helped Manchester United regain the Premier League title and was voted in to the Professional Footballers' Association's team of the year by his peers.Hodgson, who insisted the move was a "footballing decision", did apologise after admitting he had discussed Ferdinand with members of the public as he travelled on the Tube.I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career," added the former West Ham and Leeds centre-back.Ferdinand's absence from Euro 2012 avoided a potential conflict with John Terry. The Chelsea defender was named in Hodgson's squad for last year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine as he awaited trial over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother, Anton.The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks, which bodes well for the future.
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