Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he is over his injury woes and ready to lead England at next month's World Cup in South Africa.

The 31-year old centre-half has been troubled by a niggling back injury this term which disrupted his campaign with the Red Devils but he now feels he is back on track and ready for World Cup glory with the Three Lions.

"Listen, I'm fit," he told the Daily Mail. "It has never even crossed my mind that injury would put me out of the tournament. My back troubles happened before Christmas, so I knew the time scale.

"There's been a lot of frustration for me at my club and it's been a disappointing season all round. But if there is any silver lining to be found, it's that I'll be fresh and full of energy at the World Cup."