Ferdinand is one of five in-form centre backs in the squad and though he has suffered some criticism in recent weeks, he is certain he can find his best form again.

"I set myself high standards on the pitch and know I have not always lived up to them this season," Ferdinand conceded in an interview with The Sun.

But Ferdinand, who has 41 caps, all but ten of which have come under Sven-Goran Eriksson, is confident he can bounce back.

"You have to show the strength of character to come through the difficult times," the Peckham-born defender said.

"I know I have got that and I know my team-mates have it as well. Every one of them has incredible mental belief."

England know that if they register two wins against Austria and Poland they will win Group 6 and secure themselves a place at next year's World Cup Finals in Germany.

"Nobody wants to be associated with failing to qualify for the World Cup finals. I cannot imagine the shame of it," Ferdinand continued.

"There is a huge responsibility on all of us to get England through. It would be one of the biggest disasters in sports history if we blew it and we must make sure it does not happen."

England lost their last qualifier against Northern Ireland - the first time that England have lost a qualification match under Eriksson - which allowed Poland to take pole position in the group.

Ferdinand said: "I think some of the criticism has been a bit over the top but it probably reflects the passion for football in our country.

"When we win, everything is fantastic and when we lose everything's a disaster."