Ferdinand out of England games

England centre-half Rio Ferdinand is to miss the friendly international against Serbia-Montenegro and the Euro 2004 qualifier with Slovakia on June 11, because of a knee injury.

The former West Ham and Leeds defender, 24, is now due to have surgery next week.

Following an examination by club medical staff Friday, United said in a statement on their official website: "Rio Ferdinands left knee was examined today and following discussions between the Manchester United medical team and the England doctor it was felt to be in Rios best interests that he undergo an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) at the beginning of next week.

"As a result, he will be unavailable for the next two England games."

Ferdinand, who became Britain's most expensive player when he joined United for 29 million pounds (46m dollars) from Leeds in 2002, sustained the injury while playing for England in Durban during last week's friendly win over South Africa.