BBC confirms Rio Ferdinand as World Cup pundit

The BBC has confirmed that former England captain Rio Ferdinand will be part of its punditry team at next year's World Cup.

The 35-year-old Manchester United defender has competed at four World Cups, but he will not take part as a player in Brazil, after retiring from international football in May 2012.

Ferdinand, who won 81 senior caps for the Three Lions, will work alongside three fellow ex-England players in Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Phil Neville.

"I really want to provide a different sort of insight and analysis," said Ferdinand.

As well as working as a pundit, Ferdinand will present film features and a documentary during the tournament, which gets underway on June 12.

His role with BBC Sport will also include working on interactive services and producing social media content.

"I want to interact with audiences throughout the summer, with special forums and using social media to answer viewer questions and provide extra content," he explained.

All 64 matches at the World Cup will be broadcast live on terrestrial TV in the United Kingdom, with the BBC and ITV sharing the coverage.