England boss Fabio Capello has telephoned Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand to assure him that he does have a spot in the Euro 2012 squad.

Questions arose over the centre back's England future after he was omitted from the squad to face Spain and Sweden this week.

Despite not selecting the 33-year-old, the Italian is believed to have personally contacted him to calm his fears that he did not have a place in the European Championships, according to The Mirror.

The former Real Madrid manager is also thought to have informed Ferdinand that the reason behind the snub was to allow the younger players to prove their worth.

Meanwhile, reports have claimed that the former Three Lions captain could be close to leaving Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that the player was no longer first choice in defence.