Samir Nasri: France open their Euro 2012 campaign against England

Samir Nasri has attempted to put pressure on England ahead of Euro 2012 by labelling them as favourites to win Group D but he hopes France can benefit from Wayne Rooney's ban.

Manchester United striker Rooney will miss the opener against the French, for whom Nasri plays, as well as the meeting with Sweden.

The forward's absence comes as a result of 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."