Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is delighted seeing Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo silencing his critics at the Euros. Ronaldo got some stick during the group games but was back to his lethal best to dump the Czechs.

Ferdinand admitted in The Sun: "I was so pleased for Ronny. He deserves his success and I thought he had a fabulous game.

"This could really be his stage. He looks right on top of his game. I reckon it could be the year when he gets voted the world's best player and Lionel Messi has to accept second.

"Ronny has already won the Spanish League with Real Madrid and, if he added the Euros too, that would surely clinch it for him.

"Obviously, I want England to come back with the trophy.

"But if they don't, I'd be very happy to see Ronny lifting that cup."