Rio Ferdinand today pulled out of England’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro just 48 hours after Sir Alex Ferguson publicly cleared the defender to join up with the squad.

Manchester United boss Ferguson is thought to have privately opposed Ferdinand’s return to international football but the 34-year-old’s withdrawal only came after a meeting with England manager Roy Hodgson last night.

Hodgson claimed in a Football Association statement released this afternoon that it was “impossible” for Ferdinand to play in the two matches due to the “detailed pre-planned training and medical programme” he undertakes with Manchester United.

Upon naming his squad last Thursday, Hodgson dismissed the importance of speaking directly with Ferdinand but that lack of communication has been exposed with the centre-back declaring his unavailability only after speaking directly with the former Fulham and Liverpool boss.

Tottenham defender Steven Caulker, who was originally named in Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 squad, has been called up to the senior squad to replace Ferdinand, whose England future looks decidedly uncertain once again.

Ferdinand said in an FA statement today he does not see this as the end of his career. He said: “It was important for me to be able to speak with Roy face to face and explain the situation, and one thing I made clear was that my passion and commitment to represent my country is as strong as ever.

“It is disappointing that I won’t be able to play a part in the games but I told Roy I want to continue to be available for England and I look forward to working with him in the future.”

Ferdinand later posted on Twitter that he was “gutted” to withdraw but Ferguson hinted last week that while the centre-back could handle the additional matches, it could wreak havoc with his tailored training regime.

“It involves treatment, it involves rest, it involves heavy days followed by some light days followed by some easy days,” explained Ferguson.

Having already called Ferdinand into the squad last Thursday, Hodgson was only able to discuss this regime with the player in detail last night.

Ferdinand is still thought to be upset at his omission for Euro 2012, leading some to suggest this as a possible motivation for his decision along with pressure from Ferguson to prolong his club career.

Hodgson selected John Terry and left Ferdinand out for “football reasons” which seemed convenient given the tension between the pair over the Chelsea defender’s charge of racially abusing Rio’s brother Anton. But Hodgson insists the door is not closed on his England career. He said: “I look forward to hopefully selecting him in the future.”

Former England striker Stan Collymore tweeted: “Player who can’t play v lowest ranked team in world and Montenegro (due to ‘plan’) shouldn’t EVER be considered for a future World Cup.”