All smiles? Fabio Capello's England will take on Laurent Blanc's France

Fabio Capello's side will begin their campaign against rivals France, whom they have not beaten in five meetings, in Donetsk on June 11. That match is a repeat of their opening match in Euro 2004.

Capello admits making a good start against the French will be imperative.

The Italian told the BBC: 'Most difficult will be the first game against France. The first game is always difficult to play because of the pressure. A result will be very important.'

England have chosen to base their training camp in the Polish city of Krakow but all their group games will now be played in Ukraine, meaning journeys of up to 940 miles.

Ireland, appearing in the championships for the first time since 1988, will open against Croatia in Poznan on June 10.

Yet it is the games against Spain, winners in 2008 and World Cup victors in South Africa last year, and 1968 champions Italy which will most excite their fans.

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