ENGLAND A TOP CAB OFF RANK..

ROY HODGSON believes England are in a good place ahead of the World Cup qualifiers – thanks to their lofty world ranking.

The draw for the race to reach Qatar 2022 takes place in

Switzerland tomorrow.

And former Three

Lions manager Hodgson is optimistic Gareth Southgate’s men will land a decent group.

Under Southgate (above) England, who reached the semi-finals in Russia two years ago, have surged from 10th to fourth in the FIFA ratings.

Now find themselves among Europe’s top pot of seeds – alongside the likes of the world’s No.1 outfit Belgium and reigning champions France.

Hodgson, who led England in the 2014 finals in South Africa, said: “That’s very important. You need to be in those top groups to keep away from the other favourites.

“You can only do that by having a consistent run of good results – as England have for the past few seasons.”

England are certain to avoid some of Europe’s big hitters.

But they could still face testing group clashes against Wales and one from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Hodgson admits he will be as nervous as the rest of the nation awaiting news from Zurich.

The Crystal Palace boss said: ”I’ll be like every other England fan, looking on anxiously, hoping the draw is kind with not too many obstacles in the path to the finals.”

As for the choice of Qatar as hosts, and the tournament being staged in November and December because of scorching heat, Hodgson is backing it to be a success.

“I am confident it will be brilliantly wellorganised,” he said.

“There are a lot of problems for the Qatari government and FIFA to iron out – but I am sure they will do their best.”