England's first game in 2010

England’s opening match of 2010 will see Egypt visit Wembley for the first time. The match will take place on Wednesday 3 March, as Fabio Capello continues his preparations for the World Cup Finals.

The match will be significant for Capello and his England players, having been drawn alongside Egypt's fellow North Africans Algeria in Group C at the World Cup. Egypt, who will be the first African opponents for England under Capello, were denied a place in South Africa by the Algerians in a play-off last month. The two teams could not be separated in any respect at the conclusion of the qualifying campaign, and the one-off game was decided by an Antar Yahia strike.

England have played the Egyptians just twice previously, with the most recent meeting coming at the World Cup Finals in Italy 19 years ago.  Sir Bobby Robson’s side won by a goal from Mark Wright, with the victory putting England through to the Second Round after two draws in their opening group matches.

Four years previous, also under the management of Sir Bobby, England won by four goals in a friendly in Cairo. This game was also the first of the year, in 1986, with goals from Gordon Cowans and Danny Wallace setting them on their way before a Trevor Steven strike, that was the 1500th goal scored for England, made it 3-0. An own goal completed the scoring.  A third successive triumph over Egypt would also be a special landmark for England, as it would make it The Three Lions 500th victory.