West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has jumped to the defence of big brother Rio over criticism of his England form.

Anton says of the Manchester United star: "The criticism is unfair but it is expected nowadays. People forget that in two World Cups Rio has been one of England's best players. Football people know that.

"But he is not bothered about what people have to say. He is a strong-minded person. The Ferdinand family is very strong.

"There is a tight bond between us so things said outside the family don't really bother us.

"Rio's football has spoken for itself and been unbelievable.

"Last season he played some of the best football of his career and won the title with United. But then you have one bad game for England and people jump on your back. That might be the reason why the England team is not doing so well at the moment."