Roy Hodgson has apologised about reports that he told fans that it was the "end of the line" for Rio Ferdinand's international career.

The comments were apparently made on a tube on the way to Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Olympiakos.

The former West Bromwich Albion boss said: “I would never dream of telling a player its the end of the line that's up to the player himself."

Hodgson was speaking at press conference at Wembley and confirmed that Rio Ferdinand, 33, is not among those selected for this month’s World Cup qualifying double header against San Marino and Poland.