Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo is questioned the decision to leave Rio Ferdinand out of the England squad for Euro 2012 but still he believes that the England will be a foremost contender for Euro 2012.
UK’s football media have not rated England as favorites to win the European Championship this year and like Portugal they have also never won the European Championship.
Still, Ronaldo believes The Three Lions will be strong opponent for any team this summer in spite of their current amend in leadership which saw West Brom manager Roy Hodgson thrive Fabio Capello at the helm as well as recent set-backs at the FIFA World Cup.
"I always expect England to win a big tournament," Ronaldo said in The Sun.
"England have some of the best players in the world and are always tough opponents for any team.
"I hope England do well in the Euros because I have a lot of friends there. It is a country I like a lot.
"I expect big things for England, the new coach and the country."
"I don't know him [Hodgson] very well but to be coach of a national team you have to be good," Ronaldo said.
"Let's see what England do in the Euros. Their chances of winning are still the same. England have fantastic players but now, with a new coach, it would be amazing."
"Rio is the best centre-back in England and still one of the best in the world," he said.
"I don't understand why he is not in the national team.
"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."
Ronaldo favoring his own country Portugal to win the European Championship will do everything possible to accomplish the target. They have been drawn in the Group of Death alongside Holland, Germany and Denmark.