Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand feels he's been snubbed by England for anything but "football reasons".
The Daily Mail says Ferdinand, 33, is understood to have joked to a friend that he might be recalled if England are down to the Ryman League when selecting teams in future.
He is reluctant to turn his back on his country but has concluded that his omission is not based upon "football reasons", as coach Roy Hodgson initially claimed.
Sources close to Ferdinand are certain the real reasons are tied up with allegations that his brother Anton, the QPR defender was racially abused by Chelsea captain John Terry during a league game last year. The case is due in court next month and Terry, who is in the squad, denies the charge.