England boss Fabio Capello says they can go into tonight's World Cup draw without fear.

England are one of the eight top seeds for the draw and so guaranteed to avoid the powerhouses of world football such as bookies' favourites Brazil, holders Italy and European champions Spain in the group stage.

But France and Portugal are among the unseeded European teams who could end up in England's pool - as well as several tough African teams such as an Ivory Coast side boasting Didier Drogba and Barcelona's Yaya Toure.

Capello said: "No I don't worry about that [a 'group of death']. You have to play against all of the teams at some point, but of course if you play against the best teams it's not so easy to pass the first round.

"If we want to win you have to play against all of the teams. It is not important which team we have to play in the group."

The Italian believes an African side will make it to the semi-finals in South Africa next summer.

He added: "I think about the Africans and I believe this will be one of the most important World Cups for the African teams.

"I believe one of these countries will get to the last four.

"I saw the Ivory Coast play against Germany and they are a very strong team."