FIFA's World Cup Organising Committee announced England as one of the other six seeds to join holders Brazil and hosts Germany today in Leipzig. Italy, France, Argentina, Spain and Mexico are the other seeds.

England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson spoke exclusively to TheFA.com moments after hearing that England were seeded.

"I’ve just heard the news and it’s excellent," said a beaming Sven.

"I think it’s right too. We are one of the teams that have the potential to do very well in Germany and we have some of the best players in the world.

"Finishing top of our qualification group with the second best record in the whole of Europe was a big achievement and I’m sure that has played a part in this decision," he added.

England were not seeded for the 2002 World Cup, where they  were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Brazil.

England's seeding for Germany means Sven's side will avoid one of the favourites in the group stage.

But England could still face one of the teams who are likely to be in the second pool of seeds, including Holland, the USA, the Czech Republic, Croatia, South Korea, Japan, Sweden and Paraguay.

Holland and the USA just missed out on the top group, the latter coming in a point behind Italy.

Sven urged caution ahead of Friday's World Cup Draw where England will find out who their three group opponents are.

"This is a big boost but, when the tournament starts, we must show on the pitch why we have been seeded," said Sven, who will be in Leipzig for the draw.

"It’s starting to get very exciting for everyone and of course I’m really looking forward to seeing who we are drawn to play against on Friday.

"There are many very good sides that are going to be in Germany but I don’t think that too many will want to face England," he added.

FA Chairman Geoff Thompson was the first person to hear the news. "I’ve just come out of the FIFA World Cup Organising Committee and I’m delighted to be able to deliver this news," he told us.

"The same system was used as has been employed in previous years which combined our qualification record for the last two World Cups and the last three years’ World Rankings.

"Coming so soon after that great match we had against Argentina in Geneva, this is another bit of really good news for us. We came through the qualification process impressively and I think this seeding demonstrates that what we are doing on the pitch is being recognised.

"Things are looking positive for us and I think this gives us the ideal platform as we look ahead to the draw on Friday and then the Finals themselves in the summer," he added.

Wayne Rooney celebrates his goal against ArgentinaBrian Barwick, FA Chief Executive, was also in buoyant mood. "This is great news for England and I think it’s also good news for the 2006 World Cup Finals," he told TheFA.com.

"Coming on the back of our strong performance in qualification and with the victory over Argentina still so fresh in our minds, it puts us in good heart.

"The seeding is a further indication of how things are moving forward for England and our millions of supporters. Everything is getting nearer and starting to become a reality now and we only have a few days to wait until we find out who our Group opponents will be."

Log on to TheFA.com on Friday to see reaction on who England's first three World Cup opponents are.