England manager Roy Hodgson has reportedly revealed that Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to play for his country again.

There have been questions over the centre-back's international future following the retirement of Chelsea skipper John Terry.

The former West Bromwich Albion boss dropped Ferdinand from the Euro 2012 squad in favour of Terry following controversial claims that the Chelsea defender had racially abused Ferdinand's brother, Anton, during a clash against Queens Park Rangers last October.

While there have been calls for the United player to return to the England set-up, it is believed that Hodgson has quashed any such suggestions by telling travellers on the London Underground that Ferdinand's international career is coming to an end.

"I very much doubt [Ferdinand will play for England again]," The Mirror quotes Hodgson as saying. "He hasn't played for England for quite a while.

"I have to say it is over for him and England. It has got to be the end of the road. He is pushing 34 and hasn't played for England for a long, long time."

Hodgson is due to announce his squad for this month's 2014 World Cup qualifiers at midday today.