French rivalry rekindled for England's women


England's women have learnt their fate and will face France again in a rivalry that is growing just as much as women's football.
Hope Powell's side were drawn alongside the French, as well as Spain and Russia in Group C, for the group stages of next summer's UEFA European Women's Football Championships.
The draw took place in Gothenburg on Friday night. The tournament will begin in June next year.
A great chance to be successful 
Coach Powell (pictured) told BBC Sport after the draw took place: "Whatever group we got, the games would have been tough but now we can start preparing. It will be a challenge.
"We have played all the teams in our group recently, so we know their qualities. We know what we are up against but we will have them looked at. We want to do well.
Women's football has come a long way since the inaugural championships were held in Sweden back in 1984. Powell played in that tournament as a player and next year, will celebrate 15 years in charge of the national team.
There is a great chance that England could go a long way in the 12-team tournament, especially after qualifying with ease and the strong momentum from the Olympics, where Team GB women completely overshadowed their male counterparts.
England's campaign will begin on 12 June against Spain, the team who ended Scotland's hopes of making the finals in the play-offs in October.
The French game could be a real highlight 
Three days later, the Three Lions will face a Russia side which is one of the weaker sides in the finals. Russia have conceded nine goals in their last two outings against England.
Then on 18 June, the game with France takes place which could be one of the highlights of the entire tournament.
England's women recently threw away a two goal lead in a friendly international in Paris and were knocked out of the 2011 World Cup by the French on penalties.
Germany are the current holders and they were drawn in Group B with Norway, Iceland and Holland. Hosts Sweden are in Group A alongside Italy and Scandinavian rivals Finland and Denmark.
The top two sides from the three groups will advance to the quarter-finals, joined by the two best third placed sides.
The preparation and anticipation is underway for the biggest football tournament of summer 2013.

DRAW RESULTS FOR THE 2013 UEFA WOMEN'S EUROPEAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Group A: Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Finland
Group B: Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Iceland
Group C: France, England, Russia, Spain
By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

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