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Tough task

England face Euro 2016 nightmare as they land in same section of draw as Germany, Spain, France and Italy

Roy Hodgson

ENGLAND's Slovakia stalemate could come back to haunt them as they face a potential nightmare route to the Euro 2016 final after landing in a DRAW OF DEATH.

The Three Lions have given themselves an incredibly tough task by finishing second in Group B, putting them in the bottom half of the draw alongside the likes of world champions Germany, European Championships holders Spain, as well as hosts France and in-form Italy.

 England have landed in a draw of death at Euro 2016
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England have landed in a draw of death at Euro 2016
 England were made to pay after only drawing against Slovakia
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England were made to pay after only drawing against SlovakiaCredit: Getty Images

The draw of death looks particularly difficult as it makes up four of the six seeded teams for the tournament.

Before the groups were drawn in December, hosts France were joined by holders Spain, England, Germany, Belgium and Portugal as the six seeded nations.

Had Roy Hodgson's boys beaten Slovakia instead of limping to a 0-0 stalemate in their final group game they would've had a potentially easier run in the top half of the draw, as Wales have by finishing top of the group.

 Roy Hodgson was left scratching his head after England's stalemate
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Roy Hodgson was left scratching his head after England's stalemateCredit: PA:Press Association
 Gareth Bale and Wales are in a potentially easier side of the draw
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Gareth Bale and Wales are in a potentially easier side of the drawCredit: EPA

The confirmed teams in Wales' side of the draw so far are Switzerland, Poland and Croatia, and the Dragons will face a third-place team in their round of 16 fixture on Saturday in Paris.

England's next game will be decided on Wednesday when the final Group F fixtures are played out with Iceland facing Austria and Hungary taking on Portugal.

 England might face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the round of 16
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England might face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the round of 16Credit: Splash News
 Should England get to the quarter-finals, Dimitri Payet and France may lie in wait
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Should England get to the quarter-finals, Dimitri Payet and France may lie in waitCredit: EPA

The Three Lions could yet come up against Portugal if they finish second and set up a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo – their nemesis at the 2006 World Cup when he pressured the referee to send off then-team mate Wayne Rooney as the in the quarter-finals.

Wales could face Turkey or a potentially tasty all-British affair against Northern Ireland at the Parc des Princes.

 Germany could be England's semi-final opponents
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Germany could be England's semi-final opponentsCredit: Reuters

The Republic of Ireland, who have just one point after two games, could even find themselves in the top half of the draw but will have to beat Italy tonight in Lille to have any hope of finishing second in Group E.

England and Spain were both favourites to top their groups but finished second behind Wales and Croatia respectively, while France, Italy and Germany have progressed as group winners, making up the draw of death.

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