England and the rest of the 2006 World Cup nations have learned their fate for the competition group stage following Friday's draw held, quite deliberately, in the eastern region of host nation Germany.

The usual charade took place prior to the draw, with street festivals, live folk bands and acrobats trying to entertain as the national managers came to see whether the draw would be kind to their respective countries. For England, it looks a very fortunate draw. Sven-Goran Eriksson's will pit his wits against countrymen Sweden, Paraguay and Dwight Yorke's Trinidad & Tobago, kicking-off Group B as firm favourites to progress to the final 16.

Germany, who will fancy their chances as host nation, are heavily tipped to progress through the first stage. United target Michael Ballack will take on Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador in group A.

Holders Brazil will face Croatia, Australia and Japan whilst Park Ji Sung's South Korea will be looking to emulate their 2002 heroics as they battle it out against Louis Saha and Mikael Silvestre's France, Switzerland and outsiders Togo. Many eyes will be looking to Group D - already being touted as "the pool of death" where the Netherlands, who will include Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Edwin Van Der Sar, join Gabriel Heinze's Argentina, the Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to continue his superb form for Portugal with games against Mexico, Iran and Angola with neighbours Spain looking to finally fulfil their World Cup potential as they take on Tunisia
Saudi Arabia and the Ukraine. Meanwhile, Jonathan Spector and Tim Howard will look to break into the United States side ahead of games against the Czech Republic, Italy and Ghana.

A huge number of United stars are likely to take part in what promises to be another thrilling World Cup tournament. Can England break their 40-year hoodoo and finally match the media hype? Have your say on the messageboard.

The complete draw is as follows:

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