Cristiano Ronaldo shocked by Rio Ferdinand exclusion from England squad for Euro 2012

Olympic hope: Rio Ferdinand's drug-related ban no longer rules him out (Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Roy Hodgson has made a mistake by not picking his former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand for Euro 2012 but the Real Madrid star still believes England can do well.

Portugal forward Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford and would like to have seen Ferdinand in Ukraine and Poland.

Ronaldo said: "Rio is the best centre-back in England and still one of the best in the world. I don't understand why he is not in the national team.

"Maybe the coach has justifications and we have to respect those. But I have to be honest, I love Rio.

"He's a great player, great man and he should be in the national team because he would help England do well... maybe to win the tournament," Ronaldo told The Sun.

Despite the absence of Ferdinand there is still a good chance of success for England this summer, according to Ronaldo.

"I always expect England to win a big tournament," he added.

"England have some of the best players in the world and are always tough opponents for any team.

"I hope England do well in the Euros because I have a lot of friends there. It is a country I like a lot. I expect big things for England, the new coach and the country."

PA