England have escaped the world and European champions Spain in the group draw of Euro 2012 but will have to go head to head with France, Ukraine and Sweden.
The Three Lions, who were the last nation to learn their fate in the draw, have been dealt a reasonable group. However Fabio Capello would have been hoping to avoid France in the early stages of the finals.
Despite having to face Laurent Blanc's side in Group D, the English side have dodged the worst-case scenario of playing Spain and Portugal. However, England will be forced to travel to Ukraine for their group matches, which is a significant distance from their base in Krakow, Poland.
Giovanni Trapattoni is scheduled to play his former club Italy in Group C but the Republic of Ireland will have the huge task of taking on tournament favourites Spain, as they defend their European title.
Arguably the easiest group of the draw contains home nation Poland alongside Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic.
England's 2012 group matches dates and venues:
England vs. France - Monday, June 11 - Donbass Arena, 5pm
England vs. Sweden - Friday, June 15 - Olympic Stadium, 5pm
England vs. Ukraine - Tuesday, June 19 - Donbass Arena, 7.45pm
> In Full: Euro 2012 group draw
Danielle Joynson
