Relieved Capello looks forward to battle
England will face France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine following last night’s draw in Kiev.
Though they must play all their games in Ukraine, having opted to base themselves in Krakow, Poland, Capello’s men nevertheless have one of the easier pools on paper.
Spain and Italy will meet in Group C — providing an imposing test for the Republic of Ireland — while Group B will comprise three past champions in Holland, Denmark and Germany as well as 2004 runners-up Portugal.
“I think Group B was the worst, Group A was better,” Capello said, reflecting on co-hosts 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, and I remember them from when we played them in the qualifiers for the World Cup.”
England will begin their campaign against rivals France, whom they have not beaten in five meetings, in Donetsk on June 11.
And Capello said: “France will be a tough game, usually the first game is really difficult. The third game will also be a difficult game.”
Sweden await in Kiev on June 15 before England again travel to Donetsk four days later to tackle Ukraine.
The tournament will mark the end of Capello’s tenure with the Three Lions, and he confirmed he will not reconsider his future no matter the outcome for his side.
“I am happy with my job, and I hope my last tournament will be something important for the fans,” he said.
Former England captain Paul Ince was pleased with the draw.
Ince said: “It is a fantastic group for us.
“If we can’t get ourselves through that group we have only got ourselves to blame.”
Old foes Germany and Netherlands will again go head-to-head after they were drawn together in Ukraine-based Group B yesterday.
The two favourites to reach the knockout rounds will be joined by Denmark and Portugal in what all four agreed was the tournament’s most difficult group.
“It is the toughest group. Netherlands and Portugal have world-class players,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew. “We can look forward to very interesting duels.
“Denmark are always uncomfortable, a typical tournament team. They have no fear of big names. That is what makes them dangerous.”
Dutch team chief Bert van Marwijk agreed with his counterpart. “It will be a very big challenge,” he said.
Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder added: “It is a tough draw but we know our opponents well. It is always important to win your first match but with Germany and Portugal as next opponents, the opener against Denmark will be crucial.”
Portugal coach Paulo Bento was equally wary of the challenge facing his side.
“This is probably the strongest of the four groups, a very balanced one. Just look at the quality of the teams and their paths.
“We have a lot of hard work ahead to achieve the objective of getting to the next phase.”
Group B action kicks off on June 9 with the Netherlands facing Denmark and Germany taking on Portugal, while the clash of the heavyweights will occur four days later in the city of Kharkiv.
In comparison to Group B, the four sides drawn together in Group A will all fancy their chances of progressing.
Co-hosts Poland are joined by Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic, with the tournament getting underway on June 8 with Poland’s match against the Greeks in Warsaw.
“This is a good draw... it’s not a group of death,” said Poland coach Franciszek Smuda. “It’s not an easy group either and it will require a lot of effort to advance.
“Greece have a good team. Everything will depend on the first game in the group against them and whether we win it.”
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