Football

Gareth Southgate and Ryan Giggs react to Euro 2020 draw as England and Wales discover fate


The draw for Euro 2020 has been made (Picture: Getty)

England will face Croatia and Czech Republic in Group D at Euro 2020, while Wales have been drawn against Italy, Switzerland and Turkey in Group A.

World champions France will meet reigning European champions Portugal and Germany in Group F.

Scotland will join England’s group if they qualify through the play-offs at the expense of Norway, Serbia and Israel.



Euro 2020 draw

Group A: Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Wales

Group B: Belgium, Russia, Denmark, Finland

Group C: Ukraine, Netherlands, Austria, Path D/A*

Group D: England, Croatia, Czech Republic, Path C**

Group E: Spain, Poland, Sweden, Path B***

Group F: Germany, France, Portugal, Path A/D*

*Iceland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary / Georgia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Belarus

**Scotland, Israel, Norway, Serbia

***Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland

England, who reached the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup, begin their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia at Wembley on June 14.

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland can also secure qualification for Euro 2020 in the play-offs which take place next March.

Reacting to the draw, England manager Gareth Southgate said: ‘I’m never sure whether it’s a good draw. We have played two of the teams before and for us to play at Wembley is something special.

‘We are looking forward to the tournament. We know the quality of [Croatia’s] midfielders. That’s a top-level fixture. I actually had a picture with Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic before.

‘He wanted to be in London so that’s interesting from their point of view. We like so many of our young players that are emerging.

‘Our team for the last two qualifiers were extremely young so we need to make sure we get the balance right. Sometimes other coaches try to draw you in. I’ve been in the game long enough to know how it works.

‘There are 8-10 big countries. The margins are really, really fine.’

Ryan Giggs, the Wales manager and Manchester United legend, added: ‘Logistically looking at it, it’s Baku, Baku, Rome, rather than having Rome in the middle – so for the fans it’s much better.

‘Switzerland are a good team, talented. Turkey were in a group with France and Iceland so have done well to come through that. And Italy have won every game so that will be tough.

‘I’ve played against Italy a few times. With their qualifying, winning every game, and a really good footballing country – I look forward to that game.

‘You could feel it, the noise around the arena [when the group of death came out]. I’m glad we’re not the fourth team in that group.

‘I’ll get around and watch the players as much as I can. You hope that come June you have a group of healthy players to choose from and if we have that we’re a match for anyone.

‘We want to take our chance, just like in 2016. It’s not easy, you have to get the momentum like we did on France.’

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