Seedings announced for UEFA Euro 2012

The Republic of Ireland are in the fourth group of seeds alongside Denmark, the Czech Republic and France. That means they cannot face the French, who knocked them out in a controversial World Cup qualification play-off two years ago.

The draw for the finals will be made in Kiev on December 2.

The worst case scenario for Capello's men would be a group containing Spain, Portugal and France.

As well as that potential 'Group of Death' , there is also the possibility of a 'Group of Debt' made up of ailing Eurozone members Spain, Italy, Greece and the Republic.

A more palatable group for Capello's team might be to be drawn against Poland - with England having already confirmed they will be based in Krakow - Greece and the Czechs.

The pots have been decided on the countries' UEFA coefficient rankings, except for the co-hosts.

England are in the second group of seeds for the Euro 2012 finals draw.

Fabio Capello's men are alongside Euro 2008 runners-up Germany, 2006 world champions Italy and Russia in the second pot.

Euro 2012 seedings

Pot 1: Poland, Ukraine, Spain, Netherlands
Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia
Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden
Pot 4: Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland

* Poland already allocated to Group A, Ukraine already allocated to Group D.