The draw for the ultimate prize in international football is made this evening in South Africa, where the competition will be held next summer.

Fabio Capello's side are one of eight seeded teams for the draw, meaning they will avoid the likes of Spain and Brazil, but they could still be drawn against tough opposition.

A potential 'group of death' that England could be drawn in includes Portugal, the USA and African nation Ivory Coast.

Ghana, Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa and Cameroon, who Shilton faced with England in the 1990 World Cup, are the other African countries who will be represented in the draw.

It is the first time the World Cup has been held on the continent and Shilton believes an African side could go far in the tournament.

"France and Portugal are well-known countries in world football but sometimes in the game the unknown is the big danger and there are obviously quite a few unknown African teams in there," the former England goalkeeper told Press Association Sport.

"Cameroon are in there, that obviously brings back memories for me from Italia '90, and they will always be difficult to beat.

"I think the African countries have always been emerging over the last few World Cups and they could be a big danger."

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A host of African stars who ply their trade in the Barclays Premier League will be taking part in the tournament.

One of particular interest will be Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.

The 31-year old has been in inspired form this season for the league leaders and currently sits joint-top of the goalscorers' charts with 11 goals.

Shilton, however, believes Drogba would come off second best against England captain John Terry, who is also his captain at Stamford Bridge.

"It would be a challenge for John certainly, but I would fancy him to come out on top against most strikers in world football," said Shilton, who was speaking at an event organised by England team sponsors Nationwide.

"That would be a very interesting clash if we did draw the Ivory Coast, I think every England supporter would be quite pleased to see that match-up."

Fabio Capello has turned around England's fortunes since being appointed manager two years ago.

The Italian has overseen an almost impeccable qualifying campaign but his side have also lost to international heavyweights Brazil, Spain and France.

Shilton, who played 125 times in goal for his country, believes Capello still has work to do if England are to win the tournament for the first time in 44 years.

"I think England will have to improve a little bit to go all the way," the 60-year-old added.

"There are just a couple of areas I think we need to sort out, one being the goalkeeping situation because there's a bit of uncertainty with the injury to David James, and the other is the main striker alongside Wayne Rooney.

"I think if we can get to the quarter-finals then it will be what people expect but I see no reason why we can't progress all the way and hopefully that will be the case."