FERDINAND TIPS DEANO FOR ENGLAND SQUAD

The 27-year-old has been in superb form since his £8 million move from Southampton in September and Ferdinand feels he is good enough to break into the squad.

The former Bradford and Wolves man has proved an adequate replacement for Sol Campbell at White Hart Lane and Ferdinand feels the powerful central defender can make the squad if he continues to play well for Spurs.

"I definitely believe Dean can make a challenge for the World Cup squad," said Ferdinand. "People are saying `he's too old,' but that's rubbish and the England squads are picked on how well you are performing.

"If you look around the country at English defenders, then Dean is doing as well as any of them. There are always one or two players who sneak into World Cups via the back door."