What the papers say
A look at the stories making the back-page headlines from Tuesday's national press.
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THE SUN: England's World Cup plans turned into a shambles last night after Rio Ferdinand pulled out of Roy Hodgson's squad. Also: Mark Halsey is considering his refereeing future after being the subject of a death threat.
DAILY MAIL: England's preparations for their make-or-break World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro descended into farce yesterday as Rio Ferdinand withdrew from Roy Hodgson's squad at the last minute. Also: Tony Pulis will consider his position as Stoke manager in the summer following a disappointing season that has seen him come under fire from angry fans.
DAILY MIRROR: England's World Cup qualifying preparation descended into farce last night as Rio Ferdinand left Roy Hodgson facing a defensive crisis. Also: Wigan supremo Dave Whelan is pleading for mercy over Callum McManaman - as the winger waits for an FA ban.
DAILY EXPRESS: Preparations for England's World Cup double header descended into farce with Roy Hodgson left scrambling around for a centreback pairing after Rio Ferdinand's withdrawal from his squad amid doubts over the fitness of Gary Cahill. Also: Wigan chairman David Whelan has made an extraordinary defence of striker Callum McManaman, claiming the tackle that hospitalised Newcastle's Massadio Haidara on Sunday was a "fair challenge".
DAILY STAR: Roy Hodgson was left to look foolish yesterday after Rio Ferdinand pulled out of the England squad. Also: Wigan's Callum McManaman could escape scot-free following his horror challenge on Newcastle's Massadio Haidara.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Stoke City are ready to demand £15million for Asmir Begovic as they prepare for a summer scramble to sign the Bosnia international. Also: Former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll will appear before a disciplinary committee this week for the first time in his 131-match Test career after being cited for alleged stamping during Saturday's defeat against Italy.
THE TIMES: Newcastle United are considering their legal options in the wake of Callum McManaman's challenge on Massadio Haidara during the club's 2-1 defeat away to Wigan Athletic on Sunday. Also: Joe Allen looks set to miss the rest of the season after Liverpool brought forward plans for the midfielder to have surgery on a shoulder injury that has troubled him for several months.
THE GUARDIAN: Ireland will decide early next month whether to offer Declan Kidney a new contract as head coach after they review their worst ever Six Nations campaign which dropped them to ninth in the world rankings, their lowest ever position. Also: The Everton and Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy has denied posting a message of support for the IRA on his Twitter account.
THE INDEPENDENT: Roy Hodgson was last night left to contemplate a worrying shortage of experienced international centre-halves for England's two forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Gary Cahill a serious doubt due to injury compounding Rio Ferdinand's decision to withdraw from the squad. Also: McLaren's Jenson Button said he was drained by his car's poor performance in finishing ninth in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.
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