Roy’s still blanking Rio

ROY HODGSON continues to blank Rio Ferdinand despite John Terry’s shock decision to quit England.

The Three Lions boss has not spoken to Ferdinand since he snubbed the Manchester United star for Euro 2012.

And Hodgson remains reluctant to turn to Ferdinand, 33, to help him out of his defensive nightmare.

Terry’s decision to quit international football left England short of top-class central defenders.

And Ferdinand represents Hodgson’s best option for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino on October 12 and in Poland four days later.

Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott have not been automatic choices for their clubs this season.

Everton’s Phil Jagielka struggled in the 1-1 draw against Ukraine.

And Ferdinand’s United team-mates Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are injured.

Hodgson said he axed Ferdinand from Euro 2012 for “football reasons” but has never explained what he meant by that.

He had seen Terry as his defensive rock for the World Cup qualifiers.

But the Chelsea skipper, 31, believes he had no choice but to call it a day.

He feels the FA made his position untenable by pursuing their case over his alleged racial abuse of Rio’s brother Anton, after he was cleared in court.

Terry’s hearing started at Wembley yesterday.

But FA general secretary Alex Horne said: “It’s a personal decision. I don’t see how we’ve made it untenable, they’re two very separate processes.

“I could separate the two in my mind, but it doesn’t look like he could.”

JT informed Hodgson of his decision by phone before going public.

Hodgson said yesterday: “I have enjoyed a good relationship with John during my time as England manager and I reluctantly accept his decision.”