Rio: England future is bright

Rio Ferdinand says England have a bright future at the top of world football thanks to an exciting new generation of stars.

The Manchester United defender returned to international football in Saturday's 2-0 win against Wales and almost had to pinch himself to believe the quality of new players breaking through.

He was not around to witness the recent development of the England team at first hand because of an eight-month suspension for a missed drugs test.

But after a week with the squad, who go to Azerbaijan on Wednesday on top of Group Six, Ferdinand was impressed.

The former West Ham star said: "The next generation is already very exciting. The other day in training we were standing there laughing at the amount of talent we have. I have not been around for a long time and now we have Shaun Wright-Phillips, Alan Smith, Ledley King, John Terry, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney.

"We have got a very young team, a young squad and we are growing together. There are a lot of young players champing at the bit for their chance to play and that bodes well for the future of English football."

Sol Campbell, 30, was the old head for Eriksson's side at Old Trafford and showed his partnership with Ferdinand, 25, was as strong as ever.

Team-mates rated it the best defensive partnership in the world, but the United centre-back said: "I don't think you can pick out one area. We did well all over the field against Wales.

"As an international team we are growing and we are in a good position in the group, but there is no complacency creeping in. I'm just happy to be playing again."