BOOST ... Rio Ferdinand

FABIO CAPELLO insists Rio Ferdinand is still part of his Euro 2012 plans.

The Manchester United defender fears he has been frozen out after failing to make the squad for England's final qualifier in Montenegro.

But boss Capello said: "We need leaders. We need the experience of Terry, Ferdinand, Parker. You need this kind of player, plus Rooney, I hope."

Capello also insists his players will be fresh for the Euros following last year's disastrous World Cup in South Africa.

He added: "The players arrived tired. You need to change something at the end of the season to prepare for the Euros."