Ferdinand’s brother, Anton, was allegedly racially abused by England defender John Terry last year and the wider suspicion is that the Manchester United defender was excluded due to fears that his selection alongside Terry could harm squad unity.

 Terry denies the allegation and Ferdinand told Hodgson that he wanted to play in Euro 2012 but was overlooked in favour of Terry, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka and even Liverpool rookie Martin Kelly.

 The Football Association are determined to stop the Ferdinand controversy from overshadowing preparations for the opening match of the tournament against France on Monday, with chairman David Bernstein attempting to dismiss it as an “historical, extraneous” issue when he arrived in Poland on Wednesday.

 Blanc, though, was happy to place the issue back on the agenda during France’s press conference yesterday morning and wasted little time in backing his former central defensive partner at Manchester United.

 Most provocative of all, though, was Blanc’s public rejection of the "purely footballing decision" explanation that Hodgson has offered for Ferdinand’s non-participation.

"I know Rio Ferdinand well and it's true that it looks from my point of view that the choice not to pick him is not a footballing choice," said Blanc. "There are clearly other things. I think that Rio Ferdinand is a very good player even if he is closer to the end of his career. It was very surprising for me to see that he was not picked despite all the injuries they have at the back.

 "It's not my business though and I don't want to comment too much on England problems. I'm not England's manager and if he made that choice it's because it was the best choice for him."

 Blanc, though, appears to regard England’s defence as a potential weakness in the absence of Ferdinand, although France also have a similar vulnerability especially as Yann M’Vila, their key holding midfielder, is still a significant doubt for Monday’s match.

 "Each team has its problems," said Blanc. "We have our problems, England has some too with bad form or injuries, especially at the back. They are not at full strength but what concerns me is that England will play in a certain style.

 "We are going to have to be extremely strong physically. That is going to be a difficult match. England will give everything because, when there are French against English, it raises the game above the normal international match. But we don't fear them more than other teams.

 "Fundamentally we always knew that we had a quality attack. In the last three games Franck Ribery has rediscovered his club form at this level. With Karim Benzema, who has carried on his excellent form for Real Madrid, that makes two hugely talented players. In qualifying we relied on a good defence, I hope that we can rediscover this level of performance in defence."

 Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, was another prominent figure in French football to join the debate over Ferdinand. Asked how Ferdinand’s omission could be explained without reference to the Terry issue, Wenger said: "You can’t explain it any other way."

 Wenger, who is covering Euro 2012 as a pundit for French television, also highlighted the short preparation time that Hodgson has had with England.

 "England have no Rooney, they have a new manager and they have not worked together so... it's a quick fix," said Wenger. "Can it work or not? The first game will be a good indication. England do have an advantage as Hodgson has managed national teams before, has good experience of tournaments and knows the English players well. It's not unknown territory. At the moment England struggle to find confidence and unity and if he can manage to do that he can do very well."