You put your centre half in, your centre half out, your centre half in and you shake him all about, you do the Rio cokey and you turn around, that’s what it’s all about.

This seems to be the strategy adopted by Roy Hodgson over Rio-gate, the latest in the saga following the badly handled Terry situation.

Dropped for alleged ‘footballing reasons’ Roy realized that Gary Cahill is fragile in all ways, Joelon Lescott is a liability and with John Terry spitting his dummy out as he slides onto the Chelsea bench, the best team in the nation also has the most accomplished centre half in a 34 year old crock.

Sir Alex Ferguson rightfully wasn’t impressed, Roy surprised him and that’s never a good idea. Ask Sir Alex first Roy or you’ll get his wrath. Sir Alex questioned the plan, made out Rio was endangering his United career and with a new contract in the balance Rio was clearly asked to decide which side his bread was buttered. He had to decide to do as Sir Alex asked and blow off England.

For me this is the right decision. At 34 with a glass back, and stiff competition, Rio wants a new contract and playing for his wage payer surely beats a cap against San Marino. There was no chance of going to Brazil so Rio was only a stop gap stopper against a team who will hardly enter the England half. You could play a dustbin there and have the same effect.

Does this devalue a cap? No, the manager of the country has done that already by picking anyone available.

Roy had a chance over the Terry affair to take a stance on moral grounds and make England caps an honour. He didn’t do so and so all respect was lost.

Rio Ferdinand did it right, he told Roy no, he had an excuse Sir Alex first said and he moves on.

Manchester United matter more than England and that’s a fact.

By Steve Burrows CBE @ifollowsteve