Austria v England
International Friendly
8pm, Friday 16 November 2007
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

The FA can confirm that England will play Austria in a friendly in Vienna on Friday, 16 November, with kick-off at the Ernst Happel Stadion at 9pm local time (8pm UK time).

The match against the Euro 2008 co-hosts takes place five days before England's final qualification group match against Croatia at Wembley.

Head Coach Steve McClaren said: "It's a excellent opportunity to play against good opposition ahead of what will be a tough qualification game against Croatia. We have a busy autumn ahead of us, with four qualifiers at home and Russia away, and we remain confident that we will still have our Euro 2008 fate in our hands in November."

Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger added: “I´m really looking forward to this game against England. It will be a very important experience for our team. Steve McClaren's squad is one of Europe's best teams, the game will be the highlight of the year – for our players and also for the Austrian supporters.”

England last played Austria in the 2006 World Cup qualifying group, drawing 2-2 in Vienna with goals from Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard before winning 1-0 at Old Trafford through a Lampard penalty. Overall, England's historical record against the Austrians makes for happy reading, with nine victories, four draws and four defeats.

Austria drew 1-1 with Czech Republic on Wednesday and their next match is a home friendly against Japan on 7 September.