Ferdinand given all-clear

Rio Ferdinand has been cleared to link up with the England squad for their Euro 2008 double-header with Andorra and Macedonia.

It was feared the 28-year-old had broken a toe in Manchester United’s Premiership win over Watford on Saturday and would therefore miss Steve McClaren’s first competitive game in charge of the national side.

However, a scan yesterday suggested there was only bruising rather than a break and further examination this morning has left United’s medical staff able to pass Ferdinand onto their England counterparts.