The qualifying draw for the tournament in Germany was made in Frankfurt on Sunday, and the Three Lions have been pitted against their Euro 2020 final conquerors once again
(Image credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)
England will face Italy and Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifying, after the draw was made on Sunday.
The qualification campaign for the tournament in Germany gets underway in March, and the Three Lions will also take on North Macedonia and Malta in Group C.
For England, the Azzurri represent familiar opponents: they beat them on penalties at Wembley to win Euro 2020, before two meetings in the group stage of the 2022/23 Nations League – where Italy's 1-0 win in Milan last month condemned Gareth Southgate's side to relegation.
England manager Gareth Southgate at the Euro 2024 qualifying draw in Frankfurt (Image credit: Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)
The Three Lions have happier memories of playing Ukraine, having thrashed them 4-0 to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020. They were also drawn together in qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, with both encounters finishing all square.
England last played North Macedonia in qualifying for Euro 2008 – the last tournament they missed out on – but the nations' first-ever meeting, in Euro 2004 qualifying, remains the most, er, memorable: Artim Shakiri scored straight from a corner in a 2-2 draw at St Mary's, effectively ending David Seaman's international career. They last came up against Malta during qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Euro 2024 gets underway on 14 June, 2024 at Munich's Allianz Arena, with the tournament curtain-raiser featuring hosts Germany.
The Euro 2024 qualifying draw in full
Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia Cyprus
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Group B: Netherlands, France, Republic of Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar
Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Malta
Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey, Latvia
Group E: Poland, Czech Republic, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia
Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania
Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, San Marino
Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kosovo, Belarus, Andorra
Group J: Portugal, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Liechtenstein
Russia were suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competition following the country's invasion of Ukraine in February. Belarus were banned by UEFA from hosting international matches due the country facilitating Russia's invasion, but they are still allowed to compete in UEFA competition; they've played their last three home fixtures in Serbia.
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Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...
