European World Cup Qualifying Draw - Croatia And England Again

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It has been 'deja vu' for England as they get grouped with Croatia once again. However, there is a silver lining in that they avoided some of the other top seeds in Germany, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands and France.



Group 1 Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta
Portugal get a relatively easy group, one they can win if they play to potential. However, Sweden have a good young team coming through and can give them a run. The race for second place - which can earn a knock-out tie, will definitely involve Demmark.
Group 2 Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg
The reigning European champions have been handed what is perhaps the easiest group. It is also the easiers, and Switzerland and Israel will also fancy their chances.
Group 3 Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino
The Czechs will be clear favourites, but Poland have bettered Portugal, and with Leo Beenhakker set to stay on, could mix it up. The race for second place will be very exciting given the recent improvement shown by Northern Ireland.
Group 4 Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein
The Germans have been very strong, and should win this group, but Russia will be one of the best four second placed sides at the very least. It really will be uphill for the other four teams to make an impression.
Group 5 Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia
The Spaniards will have some difficult away games, but if they keep it tight on the road, they should be able to win this group on a canter. A couple of shock results could set up Turkey, but you have to bet on them having to ward off competition for second place.
Group 6 Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra
Group 7 France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands
Group 8 Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro Group 9 Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland