Nathaniel from Soccer Source casts his eye over the World Cup draw.

England were drawn into a Group 6 with Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra. Looks like it could have been worse for the Three Lions. Several groups look a lot tougher:

Group 1: Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta.

'I really think the minnow countries (Andorra, Liechtenstein, Faroe Islands, San Marino, Luxembourg) should have to play a preliminary tournament'


Group 2: Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg.

Group 3: Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino.

Group 4: Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein.

Group 5: Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia, Armenia, Estonia.

Group 6: Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra.

Group 7: France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands.

Group 8: Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro.

Group 9: Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, Macedonia, Iceland.

Not sure if there is a 'Group of Death', except that England's group isn't one. Of the nine top-seeded teams, Slaven Bilic's Croatia are arguably the worst. Group 2 is probably the weakest group and I don't understand how Israel could be seeded higher than Switzerland. France have a very tough draw, with Romania and Serbia -  two teams that can match up with anyone - and Lithuania and Austria are potential wild cards.

I like Scotland's chances. The Netherlands are not the force they have been and the other teams are all beatable. Scotland should at least clinch second spot, or even win it. The Republic of Ireland have a chance of reaching the play-offs as well. By the way, since when did the defending champions have to qualify again? That's kind of bogus.

Speaking of bogus, I really think the minnow countries (Andorra, Liechtenstein, Faroe Islands, San Marino, Luxembourg) should have to play a preliminary tournament the way they do in some other regions. They're just cannon fodder at this point, although I suppose it gives elite teams a chance to rest their stars.

Northern Ireland have their work cut out in their 'East Bloc' group. The Poles, Czechs, Slovaks and Slovenes are sure to give Nigel Worthington's men problems (if he is indeed at the helm when qualifying kicks off).