Patrice Evra says England did France a favour by snubbing his Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand.

France face England in their Euros group opener.

Evra said: "I am really surprised Rio isn't playing. 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."