England line up friendlies

Cameroon's Roger Milla played against England in 1990

England are likely to play friendlies against Paraguay and Cameroon as part of their World Cup preparations.

"We have already got plans to play South American opposition in England on 17 April and Paraguay are a serious possibility," said the FA's executive director David Davies.

"We also have a date in May still open and Cameroon are a possible opponent."

FA chief executive Adam Crozier was expected to sort out the details of the Paraguay game before leaving the city of Busan, where the World Cup draw was held on Saturday.

It is going to be tough whoever you play

David Davies
English FA executive director

"They finished second in their qualifying group to Argentina and we feel they are suitable opposition as their style is as close as we can get to Argentina," Crozier said of Paraguay.

The FA will also arrange two games in the two-week period before the finals start on 31 May.

"We will have at least one game, if not two, in May somewhere in the region of Asia," said Davies

"And there are a number of options on where the match in May might be played, it could be in England or even in Asia."

Paraguay and Cameroon have also qualified for the finals, and a match against England would suit them as they both face European opposition in their groups.

Paraguay are grouped with Spain, South Africa and Slovenia while Cameroon meet Germany, Ireland and Saudi Arabia.

First Test

England's build-up to the finals start in February when they play the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

That will be followed by a home match against Italy at Leeds United's Elland Road stadium in March.

Saturday's draw placed England in the toughest group, alongside World Cup favourites Argentina, former African champions Nigeria and Sweden.

"The match against Argentina in Sapporo will be very interesting," said Davies.

The stadium has a permanent roof and the match will effectively be played indoors.

One of the great things about the draw is that we will be able to stay in Japan for the whole tournament no matter how far we get

Adam Crozier
FA chief executive

"But the fact we have been drawn in such a strong group does not worry us particularly.

"I think the order of the games is important and we are pleased we are playing Sweden, Argentina and Nigeria in that order.

"It is going to be tough whoever you play."

England's arrival date in Asia is not yet certain.

The Premier League season ends on 11 May and the European Cup final is scheduled for 15 May.

"We made tentative plans with bases in both South Korea and Japan depending on the draw," said Davies.

"We could well spend the first part of our time when we first arrive in Asia on Jeju island in Korea which has fantastic facilities.

"And then move to our World Cup base on Awaji Island in Japan around 25 May.

"The key issues for the team is for the coach to get the balance right between rest, travel, preparation for the matches and covering the different time zones between 11 May and our first match on 2 June."

Crozier was keen to look on the positive side of the draw for England.

"One of the great things about the draw is that we will be able to stay in Japan for the whole tournament no matter how far we get," Crozier said.

England's first match is against Sweden in Saitama, before they face Argentina in Sapporo on 7 June and Nigeria in Osaka on 12 June.