Euro 2012: Wayne Rooney’s absence pleases Laurent Koscielny of France

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has said that France will treat their opening match of Euro 2012 against England as if it were a cup final.

“Our first match is like a final for us. To play against England is the worst possible draw but it will be a enormous chance for us to progress. We can’t afford to lose. Normally you might expect France and England to qualify for the second phase but football never works like that. We know this is like a final because defeat would be a disaster.”

Koscielny may very well have to defend against two Arsenal team-mates in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott when England meets France.

“We’ve had a lot of jokes about playing against each other from being on the pitch together and in training at Arsenal. But while we laughed and joked, when the game comes it will be very serious and we must win the game. We all know that.”

With regards to Wayne Rooney missing the first two matches due to suspension, Koscielny could not be any happier.

“The absence of Rooney is a joy to us. He is a brilliant player, such a talent.”

England will play France on June 11th.

The match will be liveblogged right here on Canada.com. Be sure to tune in for trenchant analysis and insight as well as minute-by-minute updates.