England’s opening match of 2010 will see Egypt visit Wembley for the first time on Wednesday 3 March, as Fabio Capello continues his preparations for the World Cup Finals. The match will be significant for Capello and his England players, having been drawn alongside Egypt’s fellow North Africans Algeria in Group C at the World Cup.

Egypt, who will be the first African opponents for England under Capello, were denied a place in South Africa by the Algerians in a thrilling play-off last month. The two teams could not be separated in any respect at the conclusion of the qualifying campaign, and the one-off game was decided by an Antar Yahia strike.

England have played the Egyptians just twice previously, with the most recent meeting coming at the World Cup Finals in Italy 19 years ago.

source, image via daylife