Rio Ferdinand, Duran Duran set to team up for England football anthem

It has emerged that British footballer Rio Ferdinand and rock band Duran Duran are set to team up for the ultimate English football anthem.

Ferdinand, 31, has been approached by the 80s legends to re-release a new version of their hit Rio before he jets off to South Africa.

Duran Duran had once said that they'd be tempted to re-record the 80s classic in the defender's honour if England ever triumphed.

But now, in the absence of any official World Cup song for the first time since 1966, lead singer Simon Le Bon and the Manchester United and England defender have been in touch about doing an unofficial tune before he sets off.

"Simon and Rio are old mates," the Mirror quoted a source as saying.

"Rio got Si and the band along to a behind closed-doors session at the Man United training ground to see the lads go through their paces, and even introduced them to Sir Alex Ferguson.

"No one's released a serious World Cup song this year and Duran Duran, with millions of fans, would be guaranteed a hit if they stepped up to the plate.

"Mark Ronson has been in touch, and would be up for remastering, as has Nick Hodgson, from the Kaiser Chiefs. Rio fancies himself as a singer. It'd be fantastic if they can find the time to get into the studio," the source added.