England will play Croatia and Israel among their other 2008 qualification opponents.
Sven reacts to draw
Friday, 27 January 2006.
We bring you all the reaction to the draw that sees England pitted against Croatia, Russia, Israel, Macedonia, Andorra, Estonia.
England's out-going manager announced this week that he will not take charge of the national team beyond this summer's World Cup, but he watched this draw with some interest nonetheless.
Eriksson was in charge at the last Euro finals in Portugal two years ago when England last faced Croatia and beat them 4-2, which is why he was pleased to see them drawn in the same group.
He also watched intently as England just managed to avoid the dreaded Group A, which includes eight teams and some journeys into the unknown.
"We are happy with that draw because there are groups which are much more difficult than England's group," said Eriksson.
"Group A is the hardest group because the travelling involved would be enourmous, going to places like Armenia and Kazakhstan.
"I think the England fans and the manager coming after me will be happy with this draw."
Eriksson has urged caution however in the approach to the games against Russia and the so-called lesser teams in the group, Estonia, Andorra and Macedonia.
The latter proved to be tough opponents for Eriksson in the qualification group for Euro 2004.
"All the smaller nations are becoming better and better," he added.
"Everybody thought when we played Macedonia it would be an easy game but we drew 2-2 at home.
"Russia is not easy but it will be interesting to play Estonia and Andorra because England have never played against those teams before."
Although he won't be the man in charge when this campaign starts after the World Cup, Eriksson has hinted that he would be more than willing to help out where needed. He said: "If The FA want me in the meetings talking about the fixture list, of course I will give my opinion."
Group E - England's Group
|
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Points |
 |
England |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
 |
Croatia |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
 |
Russia |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
 |
Israel |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
 |
Estonia |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
 |
FYR Macedonia |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
 |
Andorra |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |