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Gareth Southgate has insisted that England are comfortable being among the favourites for Euro 2020 - as he reacted to the draw to the tournament.

The Three Lions will be in Group D along with Croatia, Czech Republic and one of Norway, Scotland, Serbia or Israel, depending on who wins their play-off path.

England are rated as the second favourites to win Euro 2020 according to most bookmakers - with only world champions France boasting lower odds.

And Southgate thinks that is fine by him, although pointed out that winning the group will probably see them face one of France, Portugal or Germany in the knockout stage.

(Image: REUTERS)

"We have to except the expectations from where we were," Southgate said. "We are very critical of the team and how Group F has panned out will change the odds.

"We would prefer to be a team that is fancied than one that is not playing well.

"If you can win and be top seeds then you have to take control of your own destiny. Hopefully we have that decision to make.

"We have to be confident in our own ability and take on whoever comes. Everyone will think the same about playing us.

(Image: Getty Images)

"We like so many of our young guns coming through. Our team for the last two qualifiers was very young and we need to make sure we get the balance of that right.

"Everyone can see that we are a team that will keep on improving.

"The other coaches are very complimentary, but I think there is a sense they are trying to draw you in. I have been in the game long enough to know how that all works.

(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

There are eight or ten top nations when you look at the history of the competition.

"Teams tend to build towards World Cups and rebuild after, so the margins are really fine."

Talking about whether he was happy with the draw, Southgate added: "I am never sure before what a good draw is when people say 'good luck'.

"We have played two of the teams before and for us to be playing at Wembley will be special."

England reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup, two years, ago - but in Russia they were beaten by Croatia.

They will open their Euro 2020 campaign against their rivals, before facing Czech Republic - the only side which beat them in qualifying.

Southgate said: "I thought Croatia they might have been past their peak 12 months ago but they recovered really well in their group and the quality of their midfield when they can leave Kovacic on their bench tells a story.

"That will be a really top level fixture. I had a picture with Davor Suker before the draw and he said they wanted to be in London - which is interesting.

"We were very poor in Prague. They are definitely improved, they've had a new coach come in had time to bed. A couple of younger players came into the squad. It won't be the same as at Wembley.