England captain Rio Ferdinand claims he has put the thought of leading his country at the World Cup finals (2/7 to win Group C) out of his mind for the time being.

The 31-year-old’s season has been marred by back and calf problems but he is back in action for Manchester United after missing the win over Egypt last week.

But Ferdinand is taking his return one step at a time and is refusing to get ahead of himself.

The 76-cap centre-half said: “I’m not thinking about the World Cup at all. I think about playing for Manchester United.

“My football is here at the moment. And everything else will click into place if I’m playing at United. That’s the only way I look at it.”

England kick off their World Cup campaign against USA on June 12.

Ferdinand was promoted from vice-captain when coach Fabio Capello stripped John Terry of the captaincy following off-field allegations.

He is set to continue his comeback against AC Milan in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday night (United 1/16 To Qualify).