Rio out to spoil Jay Jay's big day

Rio Ferdinand was today determined to spoil the international swansong of one of his heroes - Nigeria star Jay Jay Okocha.

Ferdinand, who was outstanding in the 1-0 victory over Argentina, has been an admirer of the Paris St Germain midfield player for some time and said today: "He plays different stuff to anyone else and that's why I like him.

"I see he is retiring from international football after this game which is disappointing because players like him should play on as long as they can.

"I'm looking forward to playing against him on Wednesday and hopefully he won't have as good a send-off as he is hoping for."

The central defensive partnership between Ferdinand and Arsenal's Sol Campbell has been criticised in the past but the former West Ham defender said: "As a back four, the Argentina game was the best I've played in for England. We all seemed to be on the same wavelength.

"I know some people have felt Sol and I haven't played as well together as we could have but I've always said that we were not going to gel immediately, it takes time.

"Sol is one of the best defenders around and you can tell that by the number of clubs who were interested in him when he was leaving Tottenham. That speaks volumes."

Ferdinand, though, believes he is still some way sort of his peak. "There is loads more to come. I'm always asking experienced players like Martin Keown and Gareth Southgate questions and I'm always looking to learn.

"It's difficult for them. I've been in the same situation myself and I know you can get sulky if you're not playing.

"Those two have been brilliant, though. They always answer every question I ask and often come to me with tips and pointers." Ferdinand also backed goalkeeper David Seaman to continue putting in world-class performances for his country.

"The Swedes ran through us a couple of times and he saved them. He is quality. It is very reassuring for me to have David behind me. He has been faultless."

Recent speculation has linked Ferdinand with a move to Manchester United but he sees his long-term future away from England.

"I'm happy at Leeds. They paid big money to bring me from West Ham. But I've always said I want to play abroad at some stage."

For the moment, however, the England central defender can see no further than Wednesday's match against the Nigerians In Osaka. "We are definitely not going to approach this game with any kind of complacency. We've done that in the past and been punished."