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The two national sides were drawn alongside each other in Group F of the European draw of the event’s qualifiers along with Malta, Lithuania, Slovenia and Slovakia.

In addition to No. 64 Trinidad and Tobago, the group will include 105th-ranked Guatemala or No. 107 Antigua and Barbuda, and 135th-ranked Aruba or No. 115 St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Italy have embraced the challenge of playing Spain in World Cup qualifying after the draw in St Petersburg on Saturday.

“Trust in Russian authorities, organising committee, and in the Russian people”. The LOC chief said Blatter has taken more responsibility that is beyond his control to do the good for football.

The winners of the nine European groups qualify automatically for the World Cup with the eight best runners-up facing off in two-legged playoffs for the remaining four spots.

Spain and Italy, the previous World Cup winners before Germany, were drawn together while the Netherlands and France, two other European powerhouses, were also placed in the same group.

Despite Wales’ remarkable climb in the rankings and elevation to top seed for this draw, O’Neill would not be unhappy to draw them as the top seed in Ireland’s group.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn said on Friday that England’s performance in France will determine whether Hodgson will be offered a new deal.

It proved a protracted, frustrating and ultimately meaningless indignity for U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann and his players to complete this miserable week.

England have not failed to qualify for a World Cup since 1994, though they did miss out on the European Championships in 2008.

Hodgson’s contract is due to expire after EURO 2016 in France – which England is well on course to qualify for – but the 67-year-old would be eager to stay on in the role.

Top seeds Wales have been one of the form teams in Euro 2016 qualifying but they have not qualified for a World Cup since 1958.

England and Scotland have been drawn in the same group for qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russian Federation.

Brazil’s Hulk engages the crowd for support during their 2014 World Cup round of 16 game against Chile at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte June 28, 2014.

Russia, hosts for the 2018 World Cup, have repeatedly been criticised for failure to tackle racism in domestic soccer. The European draw is scheduled to take place after Africa so should begin relatively soon after proceedings get underway.