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Saturday 3 December 2011

England's Euro 2012 Group Draw Revealed "England players face a long journey from their base in Krakow to play their matches in Ukraine"

England have been drawn against France, Sweden and co-host Ukraine in the 2012 European Championships.

Coach Fabio Capello has expressed his relief at avoiding the difficult Group B draw, which includes the Netherlands, Portugal and Germany.
"I think Group B was the worst, Group A was better," Capello said, referring to co-host Poland's grouping with Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic.
"We have a balanced group, we need to play against Ukraine, one of the hosts of the tournament, and I remember them from when we played them in the qualifiers for the World Cup.
"Against France will be a tough game, usually the first game is really difficult and it will be difficult for us, it will be difficult also for France.

England Coach Fabio Capello will leave his post after Euro 2012

"The third game will also be a difficult game."
The Republic of Ireland face a potentially tough Group C, after being drawn to play against World and European champions Spain, Italy and Croatia.
The opening game for the Republic of Ireland will be against Croatia in Poznan on June 10, before playing Spain in Gdansk on June 14 and Italy in Poznan on June 18.
England had already announced they would be based in the Polish city of Krakow, but the draw means they will play all of their matches in Ukraine.
They will face France in Donetsk on June 11, Sweden in Kiev on June 15, before returning to Donetsk on June 19 to play Ukraine, who are hosting the tournament along with Poland.
:: Euro 2012 travel advice from the Foreign Office
Capello confirmed the team would not being changing its base, adding: "It is better to find a really good place and good facilities, and we will stay in Krakow and travel."
The tournament will mark the end of Capello's tenure with England. He said he would not reconsider his future no matter the outcome for his side.
Assessing the tournament as a whole, Capello said: "The favourite always is Spain, they are the best team in world at the moment, difficult to beat, fantastic.
"Holland are also a good team and probably you can find a surprise - Portugal is one and some new teams, maybe one of the teams that host the tournament."
Sky News sports editor Nick Powell said: "France are the toughest opposition England could have got from the bottom pool.
"England are actually based in Krakow in Poland, so a long journey for them. It's 822 miles as the crow flies from Krakow to Donetsk.
"As far as the fans are concerned, a lot of travelling - and the prices are already going up."
EURO 2012 GROUPS
:: Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic
:: Group B: Holland, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
:: Group C: Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Croatia
:: Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

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