A master of spin and disguise, Rio is fast emerging as the Desmond Douglas of camp England.

"I'm looking for someone to challenge me, but I haven't found anyone yet," he told TheFA.com having dispatched his most recent victim with the minimum of fuss.

"My aim is to go unbeaten during our whole World Cup campaign and, at the moment, I think I'm on course."

One man who has come close was Martin Keown. The Arsenal centre half used to be best friends with the county champion while at school and he rolled back the years, pushing Rio all the way in the closest match-up to date.

F.A. Head of Communications Paul Newman is another dark horse in the camp with a deadly forehand smash but he will need to up his game if he is to oust Ferdinand from his number one position.

One man we haven't seen on the table yet is Sol Campbell. Campbell's friend and agent Sky Andrew is a former international table-tennis player, having played for England at the highest level. If some of that skill has rubbed off on Sol, then maybe, just maybe, the tables will be turned.

We'll keep you in the know. From Daniel Freedman at the England base in Awaji