ENGLAND will battle Euro 2020 nemeses Italy to qualify for Euro 2024.
The Three Lions, who were in Pot 2 following their Nations League relegation, were pitted in Group C.
That sees them go up against Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri as their toughest opponent in a repeat of last year’s final which England lost on penalties.
England will also face Ukraine, arguably the strongest team from Pot 3.
And their group was completed by Malta and North Macedonia, who famously ended Italy’s bid to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
Gareth Southgate’s side know if they finish in the top two of their group, they will guarantee their spot at the 24-team Euro 2024.
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Elsewhere, Scotland were put into Group A with Spain, Georgia and Cyprus but will surely be tussling with Erling Haaland’s Norway to qualify.
Wales must take on Croatia, Armenia, Turkey and Latvia in Group D, giving them a strong chance of making it through to a third major tournament in a row.
Northern Ireland’s trickiest opponent are Denmark while the Republic of Ireland must try and somehow get past Netherlands and France.
In total there are 53 nations across ten groups with the ten winners and runners-up qualifying.
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The 24-team tournament will be staged in Germany with ten host stadiums across the country.
The hosts were exempted from today’s draw in Frankfurt and are guaranteed their place in Group A, which kicks off at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on June 14, 2024.
The remaining three spots will be determined by play-off spots.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
