Rio Ferdinand admits John Terry race row has been 'frustrating' but insists it has not affected his desire to play for England

Rio Ferdinand has refused to rule himself out of the running for Fabio Capello’s England squad for Euro 2012, despite the ongoing race row between his brother, Anton, and potential center back partner, John Terry.

It was recently announced that Terry’s trial for comments allegedly made towards QPR defender Ferdinand had been adjourned until July 9.

This means the Chelsea skipper is free to participate in the tournament in Poland and Ukraine should he be selected.

And, while Manchester United defender Ferdinand has insisted he still wants to represent his country at the tournament, he conceded it has been a tough few months for him and his family.

 “Anton is my little brother. In moments like this, when things are so public and you can’t really say anything, it can be frustrating," Ferdinand told reporters.

“For my family, yes, it has been tough. At the end of the day, my brother has not brought any accusations to anyone.

"He is not the accused. But he has had to sit there and take abuse from some small-minded people.”

Chelsea defender Terry has since been stripped of the England captaincy by the FA, with England manager Fabio Capello voicing his displeasure at the decision.

Some reports have suggested the Italian has breached his contract in doing so, yet Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Capello is entitled to give his opinion.

“There’s nothing wrong with having an opinion," Ferguson said. 

Similarly, Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has backed Capello’s decision to defend Terry.

“He [Capello] has the right to his opinion and to share that defense with the player,” he told reporters.