England miss top seeding for World Cup

Updated 10.21 Fri Nov 23 2007

Keywords: england, south africa, 2010 world cup, football, sport

England and Scotland will be among the second group of seeds when the draw is made for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Since failing to qualify for Euro 2008, England have slipped to 12th in the world rankings, so they could be drawn in the same group as Germany, France or even the holders Italy.

The draw could affect England's search for Steve McClaren's replacement

Scotland have fallen to 14th place, Northern Ireland have risen four places to 32nd and Wales remain 58th but Northern Ireland and Wales will have their seedings confirmed on Saturday.

The draw will be held in South Africa on Sunday, where the 53 European entrants will be split into eight groups of six and one of five.

The nine group winners will qualify automatically and the best eight runners-up will play off for another four places.

As England do not have a manager, the FA's director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, is expected to represent the team at the draw to negotiate the order of fixtures.

The draw could affect England's search for Steve McClaren's replacement.