Ferguson Blasts England's Summer Tour

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has threatened to withdraw his England internationals from the country's forthcoming tour of the United States of America.

With the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney undergoing a strenuous season with the Red Devils, the Scotsman says he doesn't have to send his players on tour with Sven Goran Eriksson as it's not a FIFA tournament.

"It is not a Fifa tournament so we're not obliged to send our players," said Ferguson. "Players with clubs at the top of the league will have had a much harder season than others."

"We will have to assess who needs to rest and see who actually wants to go because players don't always want to"

Ferguson has always been a thorn in Eriksson's side regarding letting his stars go on international duty but with World Cup Qualifying games looming, the Swede wants his stars to bond.

"It is a very good opportunity for me to be with the players for a week and to take a closer look at some of the newer members of the squad."

"We wanted to play now rather than use empty World Cup qualifying dates in June, to ensure the players have the chance to rest properly over the summer," Eriksson added.