France manager Laurent Blanc has expressed his surprise by England manager Roy Hodgson's decision not to take Rio Ferdinand to Euro 2012.

Blanc, who played alongside Ferdinand for Manchester United, believes that, considering the defensive injuries that England have suffered, Ferdinand should have been included.

However, despite Hodgson insisting that Ferdinand was left out for "football reasons", Blanc hinted at the possibility of non-sporting reasons being a factor for his omission.

"Every team has its problems and concerns. The English have injury problems but I know Rio Ferdinand. I think from afar that the choice to not take him isn't a sporting choice," said Blanc.

"It has been surprising to not see him. If the manager has made the choice... I am not in his place.

"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."

Blanc, who won the World Cup and European Championships with France as a player, has been in charge of the national team for almost two years.