‘If Rio Ferdinand is dropped for today's game it means there will be no Manchester United players in an England starting line-up for the first time since 1996. Playing at Old Trafford. A stage lit up four years ago against Greece, by four United stars: David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Teddy Sheringham.
‘Is this yet another sign that Sir Alex Ferguson, who always demands a strong English spine to his sides, is losing it?’