Peru has been drawn to face the Socceroos, France and Denmark in Group C in Russia next year. The South American nation has never faced Australia in an international match.

Nobby Solano, Peru’s assistant coach and a legend of Peruvian football, believes Australia has a football style similar to England’s.

Solano spent more than a decade in the UK with the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Hull City, Leicester City and Hartlepool United.

“We must be prepared very well in the physical part because these European teams have a lot of dynamics and to that they add their quality,” he told the media.

“Peru should not go to Russia with fear. Working the physical part will be fundamental to face European teams like France and Denmark, as well as Australia itself, which has a football very similar to English.

“Our rivals, in general, have a lot of dynamics, they are fast and very hard for physical contact. On our side, we must play the game that took us to the World Cup and that characterizes the Peruvian soccer player.

“In this process, [head coach] Gareca returned our identity. He gave the player the peace of mind to make a touch game on the pitch. In addition, there was discipline and commitment. We have a squad to fight.

“With four points, Peru can qualify for the next stage.”

La Blanquirroja head coach Richardo Gareca has likened the Socceroos to the All Whites, who they defeated in the playoffs over two legs to qualify for the World Cup.

“I’m pleased with the group,” Gareca said.

“It’s possible France and Peru are on a higher level, but everyone is going to be hard to beat. We’ve just played New Zealand and we think Australia will be similar to them.”

Former Peruvian international Germán Leguía said Peru does not have to “feel less than anyone”.

“We have the equipment to fight France, Denmark and Australia,” he told BBVA Continental.

“I have noticed that the French and Danish underestimate us. This reminds me that the same thing happened to us with Scotland in Argentina 1978 (Peru won 3-1) and Italy in Spain 1982 (1-1).”

Ex-La Blanquirroja midfielder José Velásquez feels that Peru is viewed as the weakest team in Group C.

“Everyone despises us,” he said.

“That can be our advantage. You have to go with the mentality that if you can move forward. My forecast is that we will reach the quarterfinals.”