Senderos sad to be missing out on a Rosicky reunion

Philippe Senderos is disappointed he won't be facing Arsenal team-mate Tomas Rosicky when Switzerland kick off against the Czechs in Berne tomorrow.

Rosicky pulled out of the tournament with a knee injury but his season had already been wrecked by a succession of hamstring injuries which restricted him to just three games this year.

Senderos said: "I obviously know Tomas really well from Arsenal and it's a real shame. We get on very well and we've been joking about this match for a long time.

"But even without him it's a tough game for us. We're in a tough group and this opening game will be important because it will define the rest of the competition for us. We can't afford to slip up."

Senderos expects a difficult opening encounter for the co-hosts against the Czechs, who include Chelsea keeper Petr Cech and Portsmouth striker Milan Baros. Hamburg's David Jarolim is expected to fill in for Rosicky in midfield.

Senderos has a point to prove after a frustrating season in which he was no longer a definite starter.

He said: "I will only get to play one European championship at home so I am going to try to make the most of it and help make it last as long as possible for the Swiss team. It is an incredible opportunity for the players to accomplish something big."