England to face Scotland in World Cup qualifying

England and Scotland have been paired together in Group F

England have been drawn in the same World Cup 2018 qualifying group as Scotland.

Roy Hodgson’s side will also take on Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta in Group F, a scenario that is likely to please both Hodgson and his Scotland counterpart Gordon Strachan.

Wales, like England, were one of the top seeded countries but they face an arguably tougher test if they are to qualify for the tournament in Russia.

Chris Coleman’s charges have been drawn in Group D along with the Republic of Ireland, Austria, Serbia, Moldova and Georgia.

But Northern Ireland would appear to have been handed the toughest task of the home nations.

Michael O’Neill's team will take on Germany, Czech Republic and Norway in Group C, which also includes Azerbaijan and San Marino.

Elsewhere, Netherlands, France and Sweden have been drawn together in Group A, while Group G will see Spain and Italy go up against each other.

European qualifying competition draw

The nine group winners advance directly to the World Cup finals. The eight runners-up with the best record against the teams first, third, fourth and fifth in their groups proceed to play-offs to decide the remaining four European berths.

The draw has been made for the European group stages for World Cup 2018 in Russia

Tournament hosts Russia are given a bye to the finals.

GROUP A:

Netherlands, France, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belarus, Luxembourg

GROUP B:

Portugal, Switzerland, Hungary, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Andorra

GROUP C:

Germany, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Norway, Azerbaijan, San Marino

GROUP D:

Wales, Austria, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Moldova, Georgia

GROUP E:

Romania, Denmark, Poland, Montenegro, Armenia, Kazakhstan

GROUP F:

England, Slovakia, Scotland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Malta