Former England goalkeeper David James has urged Rio Ferdinand and John Terry to reconcile their differences and play together at Euro 2012.

Doubts over the Manchester United defender's selection had surfaced after John Terry was accused of racially abusing Ferdinand's younger brother, Anton.

James, who was capped 53 times for England, revealed that there have always been differences within the national squad and said that the two centre-backs must put the needs of the nation before personal issues.

"The needs of the team are more important," said James. "We're talking about two players who have a wealth of experience.

"It would be wrong to think that England haven't had squad meetings where players haven't got on with each other. That's life.

"The needs of the county and the team are more important than any personal issues."

It is believed that Ferdinand would be willing to play alongside Terry this summer.