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Rio in running for Croatia game

09/09/2008

Defender Rio Ferdinand has trained with the England team and will fly to Croatia with the rest of the squad ahead of Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifier.

The experienced Manchester United man had been considered doubtful for the match in Zagreb after missing out on the 2-0 victory over Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday because of neck and back complaints.

However, Ferdinand took a full part in training after being rested over the weekend and now looks in contention to replace Everton's Joleon Lescott in the back-four, where he will line up alongside captain John Terry.

The rest of the lineup also looks set for a reshuffle from Saturday's relatively inexperienced side, which featured Theo Walcott - in his first full international start - on the right side of midfield.

Joe Cole, who came on as a half-time substitute and scored twice, looks likely to be handed a starting berth on the left in place of Stewart Downing.

And despite a promising debut, Walcott may make way for LA Galaxy's David Beckham or Tottenham Hotspur winger David Bentley at the Maksimir Stadium.