Chelsea skipper John Terry has dismissed claims the England career of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is over. He is backing the Manchester United star to bounce back and emulate Chelsea and England team-mate Frank Lampard, who has responded positively to being axed by club and country this season.

Terry said: "I am 100% sure that Rio can come back. He has not been fully fit but when he plays he is still one of the best defenders in the world without a doubt.

"He is also still playing for one of the best clubs in the world. It is very much similar to with Frank. When he wasn't selected, people wrote him off and it's the same with Rio.

"But you can never write two world class players off and Rio will be back in an England shirt. I'm sure of that.

"He is a world class player and the players believe in him."