France coach Laurent Blanc fails to see how the decision to omit Rio Ferdinand from England's Euro 2012 squad was 'based on sport'.
France coach surprised to see defender overlooked by England
France coach Laurent Blanc fails to see how the decision to omit Rio Ferdinand from England's Euro 2012 squad was 'based on sport'.
Roy Hodgson took the decision to leave the Manchester United defender out of his initial 23-man squad, citing footballing reasons.
Since making his European Championship selection, Hodgson has seen Chelsea centre-half Gary Cahill ruled out with a fractured jaw.
Rather than turn to Ferdinand, the England coach drafted the untested Martin Kelly into his plans.
Ferdinand's agent was quick to condemn the decision to snub his client on two occasions, accusing the Football Association of a 'total lack of respect'.
Hodgson maintains that the experienced centre-half remains in his thoughts, but has refused to waver in his 'footballing reasons' stance.
Critics have refused to buy into that belief, with it felt that John Terry's presence in the England camp has worked against Ferdinand.
Surprising
Chelsea skipper Terry faces a court case in July after being charged with racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand - Rio's brother. Terry denies the charge.
Blanc is among those who feel Hodgson's hand has been forced, with it difficult to see why he would choose to overlook a man with 81 international caps to his name.
"Every team has its problems and concerns," he said.
"The English have injury problems but I know Rio Ferdinand. I think from afar that the choice to not take him isn't based on sport."
Blanc, who played alongside Ferdinand for United in 2002/03, added that the decision to leave his former team-mate at home had come as something of a shock to the French camp.
He added: "I'm not going to interfere in the affairs of England. Rio Ferdinand is a very good player but (his exclusion) has been surprising with all the injuries in that department."
