On a roll: England will be among the frontrunners for
Euro 2008
England have been drawn to face Wales in their bid to
reach Euro 2012. The Three Lions will face two clashes with
their Home Nations rivals in their attempts to erase the memories
of failing to qualify for Euro 2008.
England will also play Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro in a
difficult Group G.
Scotland have been paired with holders Spain along with Czech
Republic, Lithuania and Liechtenstein.
Northern Ireland face a tough task reaching the finals after
being drawn in a group with world champions Italy, Serbia,
Slovenia, Estonia and Faroe Islands.
Republic of Ireland are up against Russia, Slovakia, FYR
Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra.
England last played Wales back in 2005 in a World Cup qualifier,
claiming a 1-0 win in Cardiff.
As well as Wales, England face Switzerland, who were the
opponents in Fabio Capello's first game in charge, a 2-1 Wembley
win. England have never faced Montenegro as an independent
nation, but did face Serbia and Montenegro back in 2003.
'Wales are one of the best teams now, although they are very
young. Switzerland have qualified for the World Cup and are one of
the best teams at the moment.'
Capello refused to answer a question about new skipper Rio
Ferdinand, who has replaced John Terry after the storm over his
alleged affair.
He said: 'No questions about John Terry or the captain. I will
speak with Rio, I have spoken to John Terry.'
Showdown: Wales boss John Toshack (left) with
Capello
Wales manager John Toshack knew the draw would be well
received back home. He said: 'Without doubt, drawing England
will please all the Welsh fans - plenty of history there and we
like nothing better than another chance against the old
enemy.
I know Fabio Capello quite well, so will look forward to being
able to pit our talents against a powerful England team later in
the year.
'We have had recent experience against both Bulgaria and
Montenegro, and Switzerland are a good mid-ranking European side.
In truth, there will be little between ourselves and those other
two sides.
'I imagine that all three sides would feel that second place is
possible, it will be up to us to try and go one better than
that.
'I think it will be an advantage to us to be in a group with
only five teams rather than six. It means we will have less
travelling and it will be possible to not play so many
double-header games.
'Also, we do not have any far-away fixtures such as we have had
last time with Russia and Azerbaijan. All in all, a very
interesting draw.'
Scotland boss Craig Levein said: 'I'm excited and I'm pretty
sure a lot of Scotland supporters will be looking forward to Spain
coming to Hampden - and also maybe a little holiday to Spain.
'They should be favourites to win the game if they play to form
but a five-team group may make it easier to get that second place.
We know about Lithuania having drawn them in our last three
qualifying campaigns. We don't know so much about Liechtenstein but
will find out about them.
'We need to get some momentum now and we've got a couple of
friendlies before the qualifiers to do just that. My intention is
to develop some team spirit and harmony and build momentum. I think
we're more than capable of having a fighting chance in this
group.'
Germany
Turkey
Austria
Belgium
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan
Russia
Slovakia
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
FYR Macedonia
Armenia
Andorra
Italy
Serbia
NORTHERN IRELAND
Slovenia
Estonia
Faroe Islands
France
Romania
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Belarus
Albania
Luxembourg
Holland
Sweden
Finland
Hungary
Moldova
San Marino
Croatia
Greece
Israel
Latvia
Georgia
Malta
ENGLAND
Switzerland
Bulgaria
WALES
Montenegro
Portugal
Denmark
Norway
Cyprus
Iceland
Spain
Czech Republic
SCOTLAND
Lithuania
Liechtenstein