England will meet Spain, Austria, Turkey and Malta in the Qualifying Stage of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup after the draw was made in Nyon on Tuesday, FIFA website reports.
The Three Lions will renew acquaintances with Spain after facing them twice on the way to qualifying for the 2009 European Championship, whilst Austria featured in England’s 2007 World Cup Qualifying Group.
The first phase of qualifying in Europe begins on 19/20 September 2009, and ends on 25 August 2010.
The eight group winners will contest play-offs on 11-12 and 15-16 September 2010 and the winners of each tie will earn a place at the World Cup.
Full draw:
Group 1 France, Iceland, Serbia, Northern Ireland, Croatia, Estonia
Group 2 Norway, Netherlands, Belarus, Slovakia, FYR Macedonia
Group 3 Denmark, Scotland, Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia
Group 4 Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bosnia, Herzegovina
Group 5 England, Spain, Austria, Turkey, Malta
Group 6 Russia, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Israel, Kazakhstan
Group 7 Italy, Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, Armenia
Group 8 Sweden, Czech Republic, Belgium, Wales, Azerbaijan
