England drawn against Wales in Euro 2012 Draw

February 7th, 2010 / Lee A Jackson

England’s fate for the 2012 European Championship qualifying is now known, with a “local derby” to come against Wales in the qualification group. Although England boss Fabio Capello has a get out clause in his contract at the end of the 2012 World Cup, there are hopes abound that he will still be around to lead the nation at Euro 2012, which is jointly being held by the Ukraine and Poland. In their small qualifying Group G, England, one of the top seeds, also drew Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro. If things go well at the 2012 World Cup, then England should be firm favourites to win the group and push on to challenge to become the European Champions.

Scotland drew the short straw after they were drawn in the same group as current European Champions Spain, and similarly tough opposition in the Czech Republic. The Republic of Ireland will fancy their chances against seeded team Russia, while Northern Ireland were drawn against seeded team Italy. With 52 teams in the draw, there are just fourteen places up for grabs, with the nine group winners and best runner up automatically proceeding. There will be a two leg play-off for the other eight runner’s up.

Qualifying for the European Championships, kicks in to gear not too long after the World Cup. Held over the course of just over a year, Euro 2012 qualifying starts in September and concludes in October 2011, with the play-offs held in November. Capello’s men, thanks to their seeding, have landed themselves a nice draw, and there will much expectation on them again. But first things first, there is a World Cup to deal with in South Africa, and England start their 2010 preparations on March 3rd in a home friendly against African Cup of Nations Winners Egypt.

Euro 2012 Outright Winner Odds
Spain – 5/1 at William Hill
England – 9/1 at Totesport
Germany – 9/1 at Victor Chandler
Italy – 9/1 at Bwin
Holland – 10/1 at Bwin

Group G Outright Betting
England: 2/5 at Paddy Power
Switzerland: 5/1 at SkyBet
Bulgaria: 15/2 at SkyBet
Wales: 20/1 at Boylesports
Montenegro: 40/1 at Paddy Power

Rep Of Ireland to win Group B – 7/2 at Boylesports
Northern Ireland to win Group C – 25/1 at Boylesports
Scotland to win Group I – 12/1 at Boylesports

Full Group Listing
A: Germany, Turkey, Belgium, Austria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
B: Russia, Rep of Ireland, Slovakia, Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
C: Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Northern Ireland, Estonia, Faroe Islands
D: France, Romania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, San Marino
F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
G: England, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales, Montenegro
G: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
H: Spain, Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, Liechtenstein

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