RIO WANTS ROONEY REPLACEMENT

"We do miss Wayne when he's not with us, but any team in the world would feel it if they lost a key player like him," Ferdinand told the Sunday Mirror.

"But rather than worry too much about what we are trying to do, we must realise that if any player is injured it presents an opportunity for someone else to come in and make a claim.

"That's easier said than done, but if we want to progress we need to develop a squad that gives us cover in every position.

"It was disappointing to lose to Spain, but at least there were no points at stake.

"People won't remember losing to Spain if we go to Israel and win and then go on to qualify for the European Championship."