England could endure a nightmare draw for the World Cup in 2014, with the chance that they will face one of the world's elite in the group stages.
The Three Lions made sure of their place in Brazil for next summer on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Poland that sees them qualify as Group H winners.
However, due to England's position of 17th in the current FIFA world rankings, they are likely to be unseeded as one of the top teams in the tournament and be among the lower-ranked European qualifiers.
Roy Hodgson's side were dealt the blow when it was revealed that the results of the upcoming November friendlies would not be taken into account, meaning that England sit outside a top-eight ranking position that is required to be considered a top seed.
England could be handed a match in the first round of the finals against hosts Brazil, holders Spain, or fierce rivals Germany and Argentina once the draw is made on December 6.
Seeded teams: Spain, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Switzerland, Colombia, Uruguay/Holland
Matt Cotton
