Roy Hodgson came under attack from the French on Thursday with coach Laurent Blanc wading into the Rio Ferdinand row and Arsene Wenger warning England cannot afford to start with a defeat.

Ferdinand's omission has clouded England's preparations for the opener against France and Blanc claimed the decision was 'not a sporting one'.

'Rio Ferdinand is a very good player, even though he might be coming to the end of his career,' said the France boss, who played at Manchester United with Ferdinand.

Allez! Blanc has waded into the row over Ferdinand's non-selection

'It was surprising not to see him picked given all the injuries they have in that sector. I know Rio and I think the choice not to take him, from afar, is not a sporting one.'

Hodgson originally insisted he had left the 33-year-old defender out of the squad for 'football reasons' but there was an angry backlash when Liverpool rookie Martin Kelly was called up to replace Gary Cahill, who withdrew because of injury on Sunday.

Those inside Ferdinand's camp are certain the reasons are connected to accusations that John Terry, also in the squad, racially abused Rio's younger brother Anton during a game last year.

Terry denies the charge and Anton Ferdinand tried to calm the storm when he said: 'It's a game of ups and downs. I'm sure Rio would like to be there but, sadly, it didn't happen. We move on.

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