From the back pages, March 19: Ferdinand pulls out of England squad

Rio Ferdinand’s future as an England player looked uncertain again last night after his recall to the national team ended in frustration and a growing sense of chaos for Roy Hodgson. (The Times)
Rio Ferdinand. Photo credit: Martin Rickett/PA WireRio Ferdinand. Photo credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Rio Ferdinand. Photo credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Just one race into the new Formula One season and the messages coming from the respective camps of British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button could not be more different. While Hamilton was happy enough after enjoying a solid debut for Mercedes in Sunday’s opener here, the same cannot be said of Button and his beleaguered McLaren team. (The Independent)

Callum McManaman is expected to be charged with violent conduct on Tuesday over the tackle that put Newcastle’s Massadio Haïdara in hospital but was described as “clean as a whistle” by the Wigan chairman, Dave Whelan. (The Guardian)

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Alun Wyn Jones has been tipped as an outside contender to lead the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer by former Wales winger Shane Williams. (The Telegraph)

David Beckham was at the centre of a bust-up in Saint-Etienne last night — 15 years after his World Cup red card there. The former England star was involved in two angry confrontations at the final whistle after Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-2 draw at the Geoffrey Guichard stadium. (The Sun)

Alastair Cook has warned England not to make a song and dance about playing a “cup final” in the fortress of the haka. After the washed-out second Test suffered a predictably soggy fate, Cook headed for Auckland with the series against New Zealand deadlocked at 0-0. And the Kiwis are expected to order another benign deck - less responsive than nuns on a speed dating night - for the decider at Eden Park. (The Mirror)

Arsenal have confirmed that Jack Wilshere is expected to return from an ankle in injury for their clash with Reading at the end of the month. (Daily Mail)