England have today been given a favourable draw in today’s World Cup group draw, while Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast will meet in the ‘Group of Death’.

Tournament favourites Spain will also be happy with their draw having been placed in Group H alongside Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.

England boss Fabio Capello will no doubt be expecting his troops to overcome the USA, Algeria and Slovenia and comfortably make the knockout stages.

“We have played against US and Slovenia recently at home, and played well and won but when we have to play here (in South Africa) in June it will be different,” said Capello after the draw.

“Algeria beat Egypt and they are a good team. Every opponent will be strong because when you play in the World Cup, every game is not easy.

“Are we going to win the World Cup? We have to win it!”

Groups D and G look to be the toughest on paper with some good sides facing the prospect of an early exit from the tournament.

2010 World Cup draw

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

Group B: Argentina, South Korea, Nigeria, Greece

Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Group D: Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia

Group E: Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon, Denmark

Group F: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Cost, Portugal

Group H: Spain, Honduras, Chile, Switzerland