France defender Patrice Evra has claimed that he is pleased that Rio Ferdinand has been left out of the England squad for Euro 2012.
The two teams start their campaigns against each other when they play in Donetsk on Monday.
Ferdinand, who is a teammate of Evra at Manchester United, has been controversially omitted from the Three Lions squad by manager Roy Hodgson.
"I am really surprised Rio isn't playing," said Evra. "He's a big, strong player and I just don't know what is happening.
"Maybe Rio has every reason to feel disappointed. Whatever though, it's great for us.
"I will text him in the next few days to see how he is feeling."
Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine complete the teams that join England and France in Group D.
