England to Face Wales and N. Ireland in World Cup
Venue?
By Chris O'Brien
December 6 2003
England, Wales and Northern Ireland have all been drawn in the same group for the World Cup qualification matches. Roy Carroll, Ryan Giggs and United's English stars could all face each other in international action, as the British trio aim for qualification to the finals in Germany.
| England to Face Wales and Northern Ireland in World Cup |
| Sven Goran-Eriksson's
England will face Wales and Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualification
group stages. The British trio were drawn together in group 6, along with
Poland, Austria and Azerbaijan. It's not quite the return of the home
internationals, with Scotland missing out, but it's the next best thing! The group will mean huge rivalry between team-mates at Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs, Roy Carroll and United's England stars could all face each other in the preliminary stages, as England, Wales and Northern Ireland all do battle hoping to qualify for the tournament finals hosted in Germany. England will also face old favourites Poland, who are the groups second seed. The Poles have been drawn alongside England umpteen times in major competitions, and along with the Welsh, the Polish are likely to be England's main competition for the Group 6 crown. Following Wales' miserable failure in the European Championship play-offs, being drawn alongside England and Northern Ireland will come as a real boost to their supporters, and manager Mark Hughes. The Manchester United legend has committed his future to Wales, despite speculation he was set to take the hot seat at White Hart Lane, and is now likely to be in charge for the entire qualification campaign. The Northern Irish had a some what disappointing European qualifying campaign, and only Ulstermen with the best memories can remember the last time the province scored a goal. However, with a new manager likely to be installed in the coming weeks, Northern Ireland can enter the campaign with new-found optimism. Despite a lack of goals, they showed some good performances in the goalless draws with Spain and Ukraine, so the last winners of the home nations tournament could be a dark horses for the group. Ryan Giggs, and the entire Wales side will know all about Azerbaijan. The Welsh took an impressive 6 points off the Azers in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, in a campaign that nearly saw the country expelled from the competition for financial irregularities. They are the groups bottom seed, and although they are not exactly world-beaters, an away trip to Baku won't be one relished by any of the British sides or their supporters. There will be a big question mark over whether the unpredictable Austrians will be a force in the group. The technically gifted third seeds have had a tough time in recent campaigns, but they should not be underestimated with an intimidating atmosphere to be expected in the heart of the alps. As for Scotland, they have been drawn in group 5. Darren Fletcher can look forward to taking on Slovenia, Norway, Belarus, Moldova and the mighty Italians in a pool that looks tough for Bertie Vogts' side. With Italy clear favourites to win the group, the other 5 sides are all likely to be aiming for second spot, with every game looking tricky for the Tartan Army. The group is likely to prove an interesting battle between youngster Fletch, and Old Trafford favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer! The Republic of Ireland also have a tricky pool, with France and Switzerland likely to provide tough tests for John O'Shea and co. However, the Irish will be thanking their luck for drawing an easy-ish fourth seed in Israel, with games against Cyprus and Faroe Islands likely to be wins for Brian Kerr's side. The complete draw for the European section is as follows (British nations bolded): Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Group 7 Group 8 |