Capello content with draw

England will face France, Sweden and co-host Ukraine after the draw in Kiev.

Though it must play all its games in Ukraine, having opted to base itself in Poland, Capello's men nevertheless have one of the easier pools on paper.

Spain and Italy will meet in Group C - providing an imposing test for the Republic of Ireland - while Group B will comprise three past champions in the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany as well as 2004 runner-up Portugal.

"I think Group B was the worst, Group A was better," Capello said, reflecting on co-host Poland's grouping with Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic.

"We have a balanced group, we need to play against Ukraine, one of the hosts of the tournament, and I remember them from when we played them in the qualifiers for the World Cup."

England will begin its campaign against rival France, which it has not beaten in five meetings, in Donetsk on 11 June.

And Capello said: "Against France will be a tough game, usually the first game is really difficult and it will be difficult for us, it will be difficult also for France.

"The third game will also be a difficult game."

Sweden awaits in Kiev on 15 June before England again travels to Donetsk four days later to tackle Ukraine.

The travelling issue will not force a rethink in the Football Association's plans, with Capello confirming: "It is better to find a really good place and good facilities, and we will stay in Krakow and travel."

The tournament will mark the end of Capello's tenure with the Three Lions, and he confirmed he will not reconsider his future no matter the outcome for his side.

"I am happy with my job, and I hope my last tournament will be something important for the fans," he said.

Assessing the tournament as a whole, Capello said: "The favourite always is Spain, they are the best team in world at the moment, difficult to beat, fantastic.

"Holland are also a good team and probably you can find a surprise - Portugal is one and some new teams, maybe one of the teams that host the tournament."

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

Yet it is the games against Spain, winner in 2008 and World Cup victor in South Africa last year, and 1968 champion Italy which will most excite its fans.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men will travel to Gdansk to face Spain on 14 June and return to Poznan to play Italy four days later.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren is looking forward to renewing rivalries with England.

The Scandinavian side has proved something of a bogey team for England, which finally ended a 43-year-wait for a win against the Swedes with a 1-0 result in a friendly last month.

Hamren said: "I am looking forward to it because its always fantastic to play England, the atmosphere and history is fantastic.

"It will be a great game for us and for the nation.

"I don't think you saw the real Sweden in the friendly game at Wembley last month, I hope not anyway.

"I was not satisfied with that game and we need to be much, much better in the summer. If we play like we did against England and Denmark (in qualifying) then we will not have a chance of getting out of the group stage."

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes England will be the team to catch in Group D.

"England are one of the biggest nations in football. They'll start as favourites in the group," said the Lyon player.

"Behind England, Ukraine, Sweden and France will fight for second place.

"If that's the case, so much the better, but everything will be decided on the pitch. We'll have the time to prepare properly before the tournament."