Rio Ferdinand eats his own words after ‘caning’ ex-England team-mate for Ralf Rangnick comments

Rio Ferdinand has had to backtrack on his previous comments after criticising David James for his support of Ralf Rangnick's Austria.

The Manchester United icon was full of praise for the Group D leaders, who clinched their spot at the top following an electrifying 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, finishing just a point above Euro 2024 favourites France.

Rangnick, who had a challenging tenure as interim manager at Old Trafford in 2022, guided Austria to a position where they were considered by some, including former England goalkeeper James, as potential dark horses of the tournament, reports the Mirror.

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Ferdinand confessed that he had harshly judged his ex-England colleague for his prediction, saying on VIBE with FIVE: "Ralf Rangnick, have you seen what he's doing with Austria? Wow, David James did tell us that Austria are going to be his [dark horse] and we were ridiculing him, I caned him and said 'what are you chatting about', he said 'the data is suggesting [it]."

Despite still doubting Austria's chances of winning the competition, Ferdinand acknowledged Rangnick's impact on the team, expressing envy at their unity and performance so far.

"They're not going to win it, but they're playing really good football," the former England skipper said. "You know what the biggest thing for me, the biggest thing for me is they look like a well-coached team. That's all I'm asking for.

"A team that looks well-coached and know what they're doing in and out of possession. They attack together, they run off the ball, they're out of possession, they defend. They keep possession of the ball. Just basics, man, please. Why am I looking at Austria with envy?"

Ferdinand expressed his frustration over England's ongoing midfield issues, criticising Gareth Southgate for suggesting he doesn't have a replacement for Kalvin Phillips. "You've had two years to work out a replacement and then two come and smack you in the face - Wharton and Mainoo - who can play in that role," he contended.

"And you've got Jude Bellingham, drop him back to the eight or the six position because the system isn't working. If Southgate doesn't come out and address that point about Phillips in the next conference I'll be outraged. You can't come out and say that as the England manager.

"For two years you haven't found a replacement. Why not? Why not? ! One of the most important parts of the team when you're building to win anything is that central midfield area! And we can't find a replacement for someone who hasn't started a game for two years consistently. It's crazy."