• After becoming the youngest defender to play for England he is called up to Glenn Hoddle's World Cup squad in 1998, but does not get a game
  • The centre-back, in action here against Filippo Inzaghi of Italy, is left out of the squad for Euro 2000 by Kevin Keegan
  • Ferdinand claims the opening goal of England's 3-0 win over Denmark in the second round of the 2002 World Cup
  • England's No 5 was in no doubt that the goal was his at the Big Swan Stadium in Japan
  • Ferdinand receives an eight-month ban and £50,000 fine over a missed drugs test which means he would miss Euro 2004.
  • He is absent through injury as England lose 3-2 to Croatia at Wembley and fail to qualify for Euro 2008
  • Ferdinand captains England for the first time and wins his 65th cap in 1-0 defeat against France in March 2008
  • He succeeds John Terry as skipper in 2010 after the Chelsea defender is stripped of post by Fabio Capello ...
  • ... but is then ruled out of 2010 World Cup after injuring ligaments in his left knee during training
  • Ferdinand then loses the captaincy to John Terry, ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales against Wales
  • The defender is left 'gutted' after being left out of Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012 ...
  • ... but after showing fine form for his club he is recalled for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.
  • Ferdinand later pulled out of the World Cup qualifiers with 'fitness concerns' but angered England fans by then flying to Dubai for media work.
  • On 15th May 2013, Rio announces his international retirement, stating ''I feel it's right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through''.

Rio Ferdinand

After becoming the youngest defender to play for England he is called up to Glenn Hoddle's World Cup squad in 1998, but does not get a game