United put Sven on top

Top European managers are increasingly complaining about losing players for internationals and the G14 group of Europe's richest clubs - including Manchester United - are in dispute with FIFA over demands for compensation while their players are at major tournaments.

Having enjoyed a fortunate Euro 2004 draw with France, Switzerland and Croatia as first-round group opponents, Eriksson will be keeping his fingers crossed about who comes out of the pot as the second-seeded team.

The winner of each of the eight European groups (three containing seven teams and five with six) and the two best second-placed teams qualify directly for the finals. The other six second-placed teams face play-offs to get to Germany.

Pot B contains some potentially dangerous opponents including Holland, the Republic of Ireland and Russia.

England may have been given advantages in the draw, but off the field the Football Association are under fire again for their handling of the Rio Ferdinand drug case.

Last night's eve-of-draw news conference with FIFA president Sepp Blatter was dominated by it.

Blatter launched a fierce attack on the FA for taking too long to deal with the defender who failed to turn up for a drugs test at Manchester United's training ground in September.

A hearing has been set for 18 December. But Blatter has been surprised by the sight of Ferdinand playing for United while the case has dragged on.

Under FA rules, the defender can play while inquiries continue. But Blatter said the whole matter should have been cleared up in a week: "Such cases must be dealt with immediately."

These are days of crucial battles between club and international football which could change the shape of the game.

Blatter wants smaller leagues in Europe and less club football to be played and is expected to push the issues at a meeting of FIFA's congress in Paris next year.