Germany draw France in play-offs

Heavyweights Germany and France will meet in the play-offs for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and there is also an all-British contest after outsiders Wales were pitted against heavily fancied England at today's draw in Malmo, Sweden.

Difficult test
Germany qualified as winners of Group 9 but they face a difficult test against 1988 champions France as they bid to win the tournament for the first time. Les Bleuets qualified as one of the four best runners-up from Group 10 behind Wales who, having surprised many by getting this far, now face a daunting tie against two-time champions England.

Holders out
Italy have won the competition more times than any other side and now only Israel stand between the Azzurrini and a chance to win their sixth title. Having knocked out champions the Netherlands, winners in both 2006 and 2007, Switzerland have been paired with twice-winners Spain, the only side who did not drop a point in qualifying. There will be at least one newcomer in Sweden next summer as Austria take on Finland with both nations bidding to reach the final tournament at this level for the first time. Serbia, runners-up last year, take on Denmark, while Turkey meet Belarus.

Sweden final
The seven two-legged ties will be played on a home-and-away basis on 11/12 and 14/15 October with match venues, dates and kick-off times to be confirmed by 12.00CET next Friday. The seven winners will join hosts Sweden in the draw for the final tournament on Wednesday 3 December at the Svenska Mässan exhibition centre in Gothenburg. The final tournament takes place from 15 to 29 June 2009.