Hodgson happy to avoid old foes

England drawn with fellow home nation Wales for Euro 2016

England coach Roy Hodgson welcomed Saturday's draw for Euro 2016 made in Paris that threw up three unfamiliar opponents for the much-traveled Three Lions boss.

England, which has twice reached the semifinals of the European Championship, in 1968 and 1996, was placed in Group B alongside Russia, Slovakia and fellow home nation Wales.