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Capello happy with England's Euro 2012 group - but would rather have Russia's



England will face France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine following today's draw in Kiev.

Though they must play all their games in Ukraine, having opted to base themselves in Poland, Capello's men nevertheless have one of the easier pools on paper.

Spain and Italy will meet in Group C - providing an imposing test for the Republic of Ireland - while Group B will comprise three past champions in Holland, Denmark and Germany as well as 2004 runners-up Portugal.

"I think Group B was the worst, Group A was better," Capello said, reflecting on co-hosts Poland's grouping with Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic.

"We have a balanced group, we need to play against Ukraine, one of the hosts of the tournament, and I remember them from when we played them in the qualifiers for the World Cup."

England will begin their campaign against rivals France, whom they have not beaten in five meetings, in Donetsk on June 11.

And Capello said: "Against France will be a tough game, usually the first game is really difficult and it will be difficult for us, it will be difficult also for France.

"The third game will also be a difficult game."

Sweden await in Kiev on June 15 before England again travel to Donetsk four days later to tackle Ukraine.

The travelling issue will not force a rethink in the Football Association's plans, with Capello confirming: "It is better to find a really good place and good facilities, and we will stay in Krakow and travel."

The tournament will mark the end of Capello's tenure with the Three Lions, and he confirmed he will not reconsider his future no matter the outcome for his side.

"I am happy with my job, and I hope my last tournament will be something important for the fans," he said.

Assessing the tournament as a whole, Capello said: "The favourite always is Spain, they are the best team in world at the moment, difficult to beat, fantastic.

"Holland are also a good team and probably you can find a surprise - Portugal is one and some new teams, maybe one of the teams that host the tournament."

The Republic, appearing in the championships for the first time since 1988, will open against Croatia in Poznan on June 10.

Yet it is the games against Spain, winners in 2008 and World Cup victors in South Africa last year, and 1968 champions Italy which will most excite their fans.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men will travel to Gdansk to face Spain on June 14 and return to Poznan to play Italy four days later..

Draw for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine:


Group A

1. Poland

2. Greece

3. Russia

4. Czech Republic

Group B

1. Netherlands

2. Denmark

3. Germany

4. Portugal

Group C

1. Spain

2. Italy

3. Ireland

4. Croatia

Group D

1. Ukraine

2. Sweden

3. France

4. England


Mirror

UEFA Euro 2012 Broadcast Rights

UEFA announced today the appointment of the BBC and ITV as the official broadcasters of UEFA EURO 2012 in the United Kingdom.

All 31 matches will be transmitted live across BBC and ITV. The broadcasters will further exploit all 31 matches via their respective internet and mobile platforms.

A daily highlights programme will also be shown on each match day during the tournament and the BBC has the right to provide extensive coverage of the competition across its radio channels.

The BBC and ITV also confirmed the full split of matches between the two broadcasters across the tournament.

The broadcasters will show a total of 16 matches each including the final, which will be broadcast by both ITV and the BBC.

Niall Sloane, ITV Controller of Sport said: “Major events such as the Euro 2012 Championships have huge significance for our viewers and attract some of the biggest audiences on television. I’m delighted that ITV has secured an outstanding selection of games through the tournament, which includes England’s opening game against France as well as a potential peak time group decider against hosts Ukraine.

“ITV1 will also be the home of some terrific clashes between the top teams in Europe including Spain v Ireland, Spain v Italy, Portugal v Holland and Ireland v Croatia.”

Philip Bernie, BBC Head of TV Sport said: "The BBC is delighted to be showing the UEFA European Football Championship, a huge football event, which, along with the London Olympics, should ensure a fantastic sporting summer for BBC viewers.

"We are very happy with the live matches on BBC One, as they give us a strong climax to the event, with both semi finals, as well as England's quarter final if they progress. We also have some very appetising group games, including England's second match, against Sweden, in peak time, Ireland's final match, against Italy, and heavyweight clashes between Holland and Germany and Germany and Portugal."
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