England manager Roy Hodgson says he has no fears about asking Rio Ferdinand to play alongside Ashley Cole for the national team, despite concerns about their relationship.

Ferdinand, 34, has been recalled to the England squad by Hodgson, 21 months after his last international appearance.

The Manchester United centerback's relationship with Cole has been under scrutiny since the Chelsea leftback testified in support of teammate John Terry, who had been accused of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother, Anton.