France full-back Patrice Evra has said he is relieved that Wayne Rooney will not take to the field in their opening Euro 2012 clash.

The England striker will sit out the first two group games as a result of being sent off during the Three Lions' final qualifying game against Montenegro.

Evra said that he sympathises with his Manchester United teammate but insisted that his absence is great news for Les Bleus.

"Naturally, I sympathise with Rooney," Evra told The Sun. "It's a massive blow for England losing him for the opening two games, but I'm not going to sit here and say I'm sorry I don't have to mark him.

"Rooney is the type of player you want on your side, he's not someone I'm too keen to be playing against because I know the impact he can have.

"On his day he is one of the best strikers in the world so when you are facing opponents weakened by the loss of a star player you try to take advantage."

Evra was stripped of the France captaincy following a disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa.