Fabio Capello's England will begin their World Cup preparations on March 3 when the Three Lions take on Egypt in a friendly clash at Wembley. England do not have much experience of north African opposition and have never faced Algeria, who beat Egypt in a stormy play-off in Sudan to reach next summer's Final.

The last meeting with Egypt came during Italia 90, when Mark Wright's single goal was enough to secure victory in Cagliari.

Capello is also trying to arrange a friendly with Mexico in May, which will serve as a warm-up to the opening game against the United States, before playing a final friendly, likely to be against Japan, at the end of a pre-tournament training camp in Austria.

For more World Cup news, go to www.worldcup.tribalfootball.com