Manchester United's Wayne Rooney admits surprise at Euro 2012 ban reduction and says he is 'grateful' to be able to play in group phase

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has expressed his gratitude for having his three-game international ban reduced to two games.

Rooney will now be available for England's final Group D game against co-host Ukraine and is looking forward to the challenge.

"I was surprised, to be honest, I wasn't expecting it, but I'm grateful it's been reduced and delighted I'm available to play in the group," he told The Sun.

While Rooney is happy to be available he has warned that it will not be an easy path for the Three Lions to the quarterfinals with France and Ukraine set to provide a tough test along with Sweden, often a thorn in England's side.

"I think we're confident we can get through it, but it's still going to be difficult," he told the paper.

"France will be a difficult game. Ukraine will be tough too. We played them a couple of years ago and they nearly beat us. I think we have to be confident, but it's not as easy as I think everyone is saying it is."