England hopeful over Rio
England are monitoring the fitness of Rio Ferdinand ahead of Saturday’s opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona.

The Manchester United centre-back has a stiff back but it is hoped he will partner John Terry - who has recovered from a bug - in the England defence.

Other players who have overcome niggles to be up for selection against the Andorrans - who England beat 3-0 away from home in the Euro 2008 qualifiers - are Frank Lampard, Wes Brown and Ashley Cole.

In the run-up to the game, Jermain Defoe, thought to be deputising for the absent Michael Owen for the fixture, has declared his intention to seize the opportunity.

He said: “You can’t get complacent just because you played in the previous game. You must train hard, look sharp and make sure if you do get an opportunity you take it.”

Andorra have only registered three wins during their ten-year existence as an internationally-recognised team.

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