Euro 2016 draw: England could face Italy, Poland and Wales during group stage
A look at the best and worst case scenarios for Roy Hodgson's side at today's draw in Paris
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Today sees the draw for the group stage of Euro 2016 in which the 24 participating teams will learn who they will face at next summer's tournament.
Among the teams in the draw is England, who after a 2014 World Cup which ended at the group stage, will be keen for a kind draw.
So what's the best case scenario for Roy Hodgson's side? And what is the worst?
The 24 teams have been divided into four pots based on how they qualified and their tournament play at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
• Pot 1: France (hosts), Spain (holders), Germany, England, Portugal, Belgium
• Pot 2: Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Ukraine
• Pot 3: Czech Republic, Sweden, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary
• Pot 4: Turkey, Republic of Ireland, Iceland, Wales, Albania, Northern Ireland
The draw will see those sides split into six groups of four teams.
Best case scenario for England...
England
Switzerland
Slovakia
Albania
Worst case scenario for England...
England
Italy
Poland
Wales
The good news for all those involved however tough the draw? More teams will progress than exit the tournament at the conclusion of the group phase. Due to the expansion of the tournament from the 16 nations who participated in 2012 to the 24 involved this time around a last-16 knock-out phase has been added. It means just eight teams will be eliminated, with the top two teams going through plus four sides that finished third with the best points tally.
The tournament kicks off on 10 June.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments