Ferdinand admits to a poor match

Ferdinand is nearing 50 England caps

Rio Ferdinand has admitted he needs to improve his performance after a disappointing display in England's 2-1 friendly win over Uruguay at Anfield.

"I didn't feel I played well. Sometimes you have to say so and I didn't perform as well as I normally do," he said.

"Having said that, there wasn't much we could have done about Uruguay's goal. It was fantastic."

The 27-year-old central defender has been dropped by both England and Manchester United this season.

Sven-Goran Eriksson opted to pair Sol Campbell with John Terry in last October's World Cup qualifier against Austria and Ferdinand has been less than convincing in club colours this term.

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He gave the ball away twice in dangerous areas during the first-half against Uruguay and skipper David Beckham has conceded England look shaky at the back.

"All opposition teams are going to get chances but I don't suppose we played as well as we could have done," Beckham said.

"Possession going forward was good, but teams are going to get chances against us."