Centre back has enjoyed a 16-year international career.
Veteran Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has announced his decision to retire from international football, reports BBC Sport Online.
Ferdinand, 34, has represented the Three Lions on 81 occasions in an international carer that lasted 16 years, with the centre back having made his England debut in a friendly against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997 when Glenn Hoddle was the manager.
The player went on to represent his country at the finals of three World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2006 and was set to skipper England at the 2010 tournament in South Africa under head coach Fabio Capello before he injured his knee in training just prior to the start of the competition.
And Ferdinand has now decided to call time on his glittering international career with current manager Roy Hodgson set to name his England squad for the summer friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil on Thursday.
“After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right to retire from international football,” he said.
“I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career.
“The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks, which bodes well for the future.
“I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from Under-17s upwards.
“I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments.”
