Fabio Capello has discovered that his first competitive game as England boss will be away against the tiny European nation, followed by a trip to Croatia four days later.

England's first home game will be against Kazakhstan in October, before they travel to Belarus for their last qualifier of 2008.

England finish their campaign at home to Belarus on 14th October next year.

They have to finish top of their group to guarantee a place in the World Cup in South Africa.

"We are reasonably pleased with how it worked out," said FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, who accompanied Capello into the meeting in Zagreb, which lasted eight hours.

"He wanted Croatia twice in September - he was really relaxed about whether we were home or away.

"It has worked out quite nicely that we have a free Saturday before the home game. He also wanted to start with Andorra.

"The two summer games weren't quite as bad as normal. It is unfortunate we are not involved in the tournament coming up, so players will have a long rest this summer. He just felt it was an opportunity to get them away for a period of time.

"We have to make sure we get an evening kick-off for the Kazakhstan game but if you are going to have to play two matches in June, they are the ones you would have chosen."

England World Cup Qualifying fixtures

Andorra (a), Saturday September 6 2008

Croatia (a), Wednesday September 10 2008

Kazakhstan (h), Saturday October 11 2008

Belarus (a), Wednesday October 15 2008

Ukraine (h), Wednesday April 1 2009

Kazakhstan (a), Saturday June 6 2009

Andorra (h), Wednesday June 10 2009

Croatia (h), Wednesday September 9 2009

Ukraine (a), Saturday October 10 2009

Belarus (h), Wednesday October 14 2009