England announce 2009 friendlies

England will play friendly internationals against Slovakia and Slovenia at Wembley in 2009, the Football Association has announced.

Fabio Capello's side will face Slovakia on 28 March, three days before the home World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

Slovenia will be England's opponents on 5 September ahead of the Group six match against Croatia on 9 September.

"It's very important to play similar style opposition as practice for the competitive matches," Capello said.

The Italian helped to choose the eastern European opposition and feels they will provide ideal preparation for the crucial qualifiers.

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"The Slovakia and Slovenia games will be very good preparation for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Croatia," he added.

The two friendly opponents are in the same Group three World Cup qualifying group, with Slovenia winning 2-1 on 10 September, to go joint top alongside Poland.

Meanwhile, England's fellow Group six opponents, Kazakhstan have sacked their manager Arno Pijpers following a disappointing start to their campaign.

Kazakhstan, who will play England at Wembley on 11 October, began with a 3-0 victory over Andorra, but have since lost 3-0 at Croatia and 3-0 at home to Ukraine.

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