MANCHESTER (AFP) - Alex Ferguson says it is not certain that recalled Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will take his place in the England football squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro.

The 34-year-old was a surprise name in the side selected by Roy Hodgson this week after previously being overlooked by the national team manager.

But the United boss says concerns about Ferdinand's fitness may mean that he withdraws himself from the squad.