England today got the draw no-one wanted after being picked to face three strong countries in the World Cup's 'Group Of Death'. Argentina, cup favourites and the strongest South American side, are top seeds in the group and will be joined by Sweden and Nigeria in taking on England.
England's World Cup rivalry with Argentina will be resumed next summer after Sven-Goran Eriksson's men were paired against the South American heavyweights. Argentina were responsible for dumping England out of the last competition in France, when they emerged victorious on penalties after the sides had finished level at 2-2. However, the game will be remembered more for a brilliant Michael Owen goal and the dismissal of David Beckham for a petulant kick at Diego Simeone.
England will open their campaign against Eriksson's home country Sweden. The two sides, who drew 1-1 at Old Trafford in a friendly last month, will ensure an early rise for England fans, the game in Saitama kicking off at 6.30am BST. England's miserable draw was completed when Olympic champions Nigeria completed the toughest group.
Eriksson admitted that his team faces a difficult challenge. "I hope we have more luck in Japan than we had tonight. It is the most difficult group. It is the best team in South America, maybe the best in Africa and Sweden whom we have not beaten for 33 years. We will have to be in good shape - but I think we have a very, very good team ourselves. It's a tough group. I don't think it could have been more difficult," he said.
"If we come second in the group it means we will probably have to play France in the next round - so let's try to win the group," he added.
Before the draw, Eriksson had nominated Argentina - along with reigning champions France - as the team to avoid. "I always said those two teams are the big, big favourites. Argentina won their qualifying group easily against very good teams. Nigeria are the only team I do not know so much about. I have seen them, of course, but I need to see them a lot more. It is tough for the other teams too - I am sure their managers think the same too," said the England boss.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
