Former England defender Martin Keown believes Rio Ferdinand should retire from international football instead of pursuing one last shot at glory at Euro 2012 this summer.

Ferdinand, 33, has enjoyed an outstanding season with Manchester United despite Sir Alex Ferguson admitting the veteran centre-back has lost a yard of pace and needs to manage his well-documented back problems carefully.

Time's up? Keown reckons it could be a good time for Rio to call it quits on his international career

Ferguson has advised new England boss Roy Hodgson to call on Ferdinand's experience this summer despite potential issues with John Terry, but Keown claims the United defender should concentrate on his club career.

The Sportsmail columnist said: 'I think Rio might be better retiring from international football with the problems he's had with his back just to extend his playing career.

'He will want to play. He won't retire because his future at Manchester United isn't really assured either. He didn't get words of comfort from his own manager who questioned his pace earlier this season, which was extraordinary.

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