England coach Sven Goran Eriksson is confident that whoever England are grouped with, that they will progress into the last sixteen in the World Cup finals. The draw is taking place this evening in Leipzig, Germany. This is when we will learn which three teams will stand in England's way during the group stage of next summer's finals.

In an interview in Leipzig with Sky Sports News, the England boss said of the draw; “I am looking forward to it…Whatever happens we are as good as we are. We will go through whatever happens… We don’t fear anybody.”

He has named Holland, Australia and the United States as the trio he would like England to avoid in this evening's World Cup 2006 group draw.

The wish to avoid Holland from the European pot is obvious given the star-studded Dutch squad, but it is the extra desire brought on by the two teams that share a common language, that Eriksson is worried about.

"The English-speaking countries are desperate to beat England in a big tournament, which is why I don't want to play against Australia or the United States," said Eriksson.

"But there is a wider aspect to Australia. There is a sporting rivalry between the two countries. What I saw during the summer when England won the cricket was amazing.

There is also a chance that England could be paired with Sweden, Eriksson’s home country, in the draw. If this happens, England will want to beat Sweden for the first time in almost 30 years, which would no doubt add a little spice to the possible encounter, should they be drawn together.

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