sport

Nasri: France are outsiders

Samir Nasri feels England are favourites to win Group D at Euro 2012 but admits Wayne Rooney's suspension offers hopes to France.

Manchester United striker Rooney will miss the opener against the French, for whom Nasri plays, as well as the meeting with Sweden following his sending-off in England's final qualifier against Montenegro.

"We are outsiders, the English are the favourites for the group," Manchester City midfielder Nasri told reporters in France.

"We are a young team lacking experience in this kind of competition. This is an open group for me.

"England have young players like (Danny) Welbeck, but also like Wayne Rooney, who will miss the first game. This is a good thing for us."