Austria to welcome England

UEFA EURO 2008™ co-hosts Austria will continue their build-up to next summer's tournament with a friendly against England on 16 November at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna.

'Important experience'
The sides last met in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, with a 2-2 draw in Austria followed by a 1-0 win for England in the return match. Austria coach Josef Hickersberger said: "I'm really looking forward to this game against England. It will be a very important experience for our team - Steve McClaren's squad is one of Europe's best teams. The game will be the highlight of the year - for our players and also for the Austrian supporters."

'Excellent opportunity'
While Austria are looking ahead to next year, Steve McClaren will use the game to fine-tune his side ahead of their final UEFA EURO 2008™ Group E qualifier against Croatia on 21 November. Slaven Bilić's side currently top the group with England three points adrift in fourth. "It's an excellent opportunity to play against good opposition ahead of what will be a tough qualification game against Croatia," said McClaren. "We have a busy autumn ahead of us, with four qualifiers at home and Russia away, and we remain confident that we will still have our fate in our hands in November."