Sir Alex Ferguson thinks that the new England manager should take Rio Ferdinand to Euro 2012.

The 33-year-old Manchester United defender has made only one appearance for the Three Lions during the last 15 months.

Ferdinand has been plagued with numerous injuries over the past two seasons but he has started the Red Devils' last five games, helping the side to four clean sheets.

Ferguson said: "Rio is as good as any centre-half in England. Him and John Terry are the only experienced defenders England have got.

"All the rest are young. But he has not been in the squad and that is a decision for the next England manager.

"I would take him for his experience alone."

Ferdinand has 81 caps, nine more than Terry.