Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is shocked by England's axing of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand was left out of England's Euros squad by coach Roy Hodgson.

The Real Madrid and Portugal superstar - a former team-mate of Ferdinand at Manchester United - told The Sun: "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."

He added: "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."