Flaky Ferdinand a throw-back to England’s dark ages

IF Fabio Capello’s reign as England manager had gone disconcertingly smoothly for the best part of two years, Saturday’s jolt in Ukraine was a throwback to bumpier times.

Chaotic defending, off-field controversy and, eventually, a frustrating defeat are all pitfalls which have snared previous England coaches and, while this was effectively a dead rubber for Capello given qualification for South Africa was already assured, the Italian will not be oblivious to the warning signs.

Chief among them was a wretched display from Rio Ferdinand. The Manchester United centre-half may claim the back injury he sustained in winning the Club World Cup in Yokohama last December is no longer an issue. Yet his performances since that six-week lay-off have lacked consistency.