Euro 2012 draw

1731: "It's almost time for the main event" Fulham fan Olga Freimut tells us. Not yet though, it's time to see who qualified and how. Just time for you to get a brew on before it all begins.

1725: Some big news - the official match ball is being unveiled by former pole vaulter Sergey Bubka. No doubt the goalkeepers of Europe will be getting their excuses in already about this one being 'too round' or moving too much. For the record it's called the Tango 12 and it looks very pleasant.

1724: Zinedine Zidane on stage there, having the cheek to speak French. Now he was a gem of a player. France didn't find themselves in Pot Four while he was still playing. Stay with me, we are nearing some actual ball-drawing action. Honest.

1720: There's Marco van Basten representing Euro 88. Scorer of the best goal ever? What a volley it was in the final. Brilliant. Ruud Gullit had an awesome hair/moustache combo as well. Steve Stone pipped to the 96 role by Oliver Bierhoff. A shame that.

1719: We are now being paraded by a legend from each European Championship. Watch out for Steve Stone representing Euro 96.

Jonathan Pearce on BBC Two: "Fabio was rocking out to Jamala in Row L."

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas on Twitter: ""In front of the TV ready to watch the draw for the European championship 2012. Some groups are going to be very tough. Let's see who Spain gets!"

1712: We are now being treated to a piece of Ukrainian pop gold from the delectable Jamala. It's called 'Goal'. You have to wonder what Fabio Capello is making of this.

1710: Jonathan Pearce tells us that glamorous co-host Olga Freimut is a Fulham supporter. I have no idea how often she gets down to the Cottage though to be honest. We are now being treated to a stadium by stadium guide by the way. The draw is on its way, I promise.

Netherlands and Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder on Twitter:"Watching the final draw for the Euro 2012."

Mark Lawrenson on BBC Two: "Wayne Rooney has to go to Poland and Ukraine; would Argentina not take Lionel Messi to a major tournament?"

Jonathan Pearce on BBC Two: "Suspense is growing - Ukrainian entertainment lies ahead"

1702: The ceremony has kicked off with some traditional Ukrainian dancing. If we've got 35 minutes of this to sit through this could be a long old afternoon.

1700: England drew Poland, Sweden and France in the earlier rehearsal. I would think Fabio Capello would be quite happy with that.

Martin Keown on BBC Two: "Really it doesn't matter that much to the players at the moment - you need to find your best form in the summer and today's all about being lucky in the draw."

Mark Lawrenson on BBC Two: "Spain are the new Brazil for me - they've taken it to a different level."

1655: Handily for you, we have pulled together a guide to all the venues being used next summer, as well as a team-by-team guide . Some light reading for your commute home there.

BBC pundit and former Republic of Ireland defender Mark Lawrensonon BBC Two: "Whoever England draw they have to learn from those massive mistakes they made in the World Cup. Not just the players, but the manager too. From Ireland's point of view, it would be a great fixture against England, but they would like something easier."

Mike Martin on Twitter: "#BBCFootball Just simulated draw in my room with paper and ice cream tub. England got Holland, Sweden and Czechs. Took three minutes."

George B-Livingston on Twitter: "Redknapp is a motivator, exactly what the England team need at the moment #BBCFootball"

1649: Whoever makes Fabio Capello's final 23, they could be in for some travelling. England have based themselves in Krakow for the tournament, but should they get drawn into Group B or D then they will be in the wrong country and could face travelling anywhere up to 900 miles each way to play in Ukraine. That's like being based 200 miles further north than John O'Groats and playing at Wembley. Quite a trip.

1645: The hall in Kiev is filling up with a who's who of European football as we speak. The ceremony is due to start in 15 minutes or so with the actual draw beginning around 1737. Marvellously precise info from Uefa.

1642: A special Match of the Day is about to kick off with Gary Lineker steering you through the draw. Don't go away though - it will appear at the top of your screen once you hit refresh.

Phil Sharp on Twitter: "#bbcfootball What true football fan organises their wedding during a major tournament? Get your priorities straight."

1640: Has Harry Redknapp got your backing? Who else would you like to see given a chance? Let me know. While you're at it give me your suggestions for attacking options, given that Wayne Rooney is set to miss the group stage through suspension - pending an appeal.

Darren in Aylesbury on text, via 81111: "I have tickets for B3 v B4 so hoping for Ireland, I also want England in Group A as we are in Krakow that first weekend."

1635: The tournament will of course be Fabio Capello's finale as England manager, and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp - favourite to replace the Italian - says he doesn't think the FA should announce a successor during the season if that person is currently in a club job. Redknapp said: "It would leave the club he works for in a difficult position. It wouldn't be fair to them."

James Stevenson on Twitter: "Wish Scotland would qualify for a major competition this Euro 2012 draw is making me jealous! #BBCFootball #SFA"

1628: Sweden forward Ola Toivonen has got no time at all for poor Andy Thorpe's wedding dilemma (1605). "If I wish, I could take England," he said. "It would be nice to play against England, without (suspended striker Wayne) Rooney, for example in one of the first two games, or something, and then maybe Ukraine or Poland; One of those three would be good."

Greg from Bath on text, via 81111: "Decided on a trip to Donetsk to see two random matches next June. Waiting to see who we're going to see. Hoping for anyone but Greece!"

1625: Cillian Madden (below) will be happy to hear that Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has already begun planning for a potential meeting with England. "Psychologically, I would like to avoid Italy," he said. "Also, from a technical standpoint, the Azzurri should always be avoided. I would prefer to measure up against Capello's England. In fact, I have already got some counter moves ready."

Cillian Madden on Twitter: "#bbcfootball Everyone here in Ireland is hoping to get England!"

1620: Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has told his Arsenal team-mates he will grow his hair in the style of compatriot Jan Tomaszewski if Poland draw England. Tomaszewski was the star of the show when Poland drew 1-1 with England in 1973, a result that denied Sir Alf Ramsey's side a place in the following year's World Cup. Szczesny said: "I told the lads I'm going to grow long hair if we draw England. I might have to wear a wig because there won't be enough time to grow it." What a character.

1615: As usual, the Germans are speaking sense. Their coach Joachim Loew has said: "This draw does not have a big influence on the tournament. Neither in the group stage nor afterwards will there be easy games. You have to prepare comprehensively for all 15 sides." England can't face Germany in the groups but we could be on for a penalty shoot-defeat at any other stage...

Greg in London on text, via 81111: "It's ok for host nations not to have to qualify, but giving them a top seed spot is a joke, especially when there are two hosts."

1607: There are a whole host of 'groups of death' that could happen as well. My particular favourite would be Spain, Germany, Portugal and France. A real frightener.

1605: Looking at the 16 teams in action, you have to say the old adage of there being 'no easy games' rings true. Fabio Capello hashad his say today, saying he wants to give Spain, Netherlands, Portugal and France a swerve in the group stage, while Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni wants to avoid his native Italy.

Andy Thorpe on Twitter: "Marrying my Swedish fiancee in Sweden on the 9th June, don't fancy England vs Sweden on same day, nightmare! MUST AVOID GROUP B! #BBCFootball"

1600: Then the teams in Pot Three are picked out, which are Croatia, Greece, Portugal and Sweden. That leaves England to find out their fate last of all as Pot Two is decided. Fabio Capello's men are in amongst Germany, Italy and Russia in the last pot.

1555: We will then draw the four teams in Pot Four into a group each, so Denmark, France, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland will all learn which top seed they are up against.

Kane Wheatley on Twitter: "If England are drawn against France then I'm cycling from Paris to London for charity! Letting fate decide!! #BBCFootball"

Jonno Janner on text, via 81111: "Doesn't really matter who we get. We beat Spain and have a great squad on the rise. Come on Fabio!!!"

1552: The two remaining teams in Pot One - defending champions Spain and Netherlands - will then be drawn as either B1 or C1. With me so far?

1549: Ready for some draw info? Good. The 16 teams will been drawn into four groups of four teams each (Groups A to D). Poland have already been placed in Group A as A1, with co-hosts Ukraine in Group D as D1.

1543: But first we want you to get involved. Have you got any tickets? Are you planning a last-minute dash to eastern Europe in the hope of picking some up for the price of a small Ukrainian village? How are England and Republic of Ireland going to fare? Who's going to win it? Should Fabio Capello talk Emile Heskey out of retirement to replace the suspended Wayne Rooney? Let me know. Tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball, Tweet me @TJRostance or text in via 81111 (UK).

1538: But fear not, for the draw gets underway at 1700 our time and Uefa is even promising that it will be sorted in less than an hour. Incredible. I'll shortly be giving you a quick rundown of how it is going to work.

1534: Yep, I'm sure there are plenty of you out there who have already purchased tickets, booked some flights and reserved a hostel in Wroclaw. But what you, and indeed everyone, needs to know is just what you've got in store from that ticket to A2 v A4. You could be in for England v Republic of Ireland, but then again you could be faced with the prospect of Russia v Denmark. We just don't know - yet...

1530: Made your plans for next summer yet? Got a few weddings on the horizon, maybe thinking of moving house? Shelve all that, we've got far more important dates to ink on the calendar. It's time to find out who England and the Republic of Ireland are going to play at Euro 2012, when they are going to play them, and at what stadiums. Excited? Me too.

Dominick Chilcott: Iran 'may feel remorse' over UK tensions

Dominick Chilcott told the BBC some liked the idea of confronting the UK diplomatically but may feel "remorse" following the British response.

On Sunday, Iran's parliament voted to downgrade diplomatic ties with the UK

And diplomats working at the Iranian embassy in London have been ordered to leave Britain by Friday afternoon.

They were expected to fly out of London on a charter flight, according to BBC Persian TV.

Their expulsion was ordered by Foreign Secretary William Hague after the British embassy in Tehran was stormed.

Tuesday's attack by hundreds of protesters followed Britain's decision to impose further sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme.Iran said it regretted the incident, which it described as "unacceptable behaviour by a small number of protesters".

The sanctions led to Iran's parliament reducing diplomatic ties with the UK.

Mr Chilcott, the newly appointed British ambassador to Iran, told the BBC's Gavin Esler: "The risk is that certain people in the regime who liked the idea of confrontation, because they felt it would rally people to the flag, miscalculated how strong the response would be.

"They probably didn't expect us to send home the Iranian embassy in London and, reading between the lines, you can see in the way they have responded to that move, some remorse in having provoked it. I think that might apply more generally too."

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told the BBC's Sarah Rainsford the UK's relationship with Iran had "taken a very serious knock".

He said: "Something really bad happened when the Iranian authorities allowed those people to overrun our embassy compounds, and it is quite right that we have been very clear in our response - as have many other European countries who have withdrawn their ambassadors for consultations."It doesn't mean we're cutting off all diplomatic relations with Iran. It doesn't mean we are in any way lessening our determination to try to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear question, which is immensely important to Europe and the whole world, and we will continue to work tirelessly to find a negotiated solution."

On Wednesday, Mr Hague told MPs: "If any country makes it impossible for us to operate on their soil, they cannot expect to have a functioning embassy here."

The foreign secretary said there had been "some degree of regime consent" in the attacks on the embassy and on another UK diplomatic compound in Tehran.

He also said all UK diplomatic staff in Tehran had been evacuated and the embassy closed.

'Hasty' move

Mr Hague said relations between the UK and Iran were now at their lowest level, but the UK was not severing relations with Tehran entirely.

Iran's foreign ministry described the British move as "hasty" and said Iran would take "further appropriate action", Reuters news agency quoted state TV as saying.

Germany, France and the Netherlands announced on Wednesday that they were recalling their ambassadors to Tehran for consultation, and Norway said it was temporarily closing its embassy there as a precaution.

Hundreds of protesters - whom Iran described as "students" - massed outside the embassy compound on Tuesday afternoon before scaling the walls and the gates, burning British flags and a car.Another UK diplomatic compound in northern Tehran, known locally as Qolhak Garden, was also overrun and damaged.

Mr Hague said the majority of those taking part had been members of a regime-backed Basij militia group.

He said the private quarters of staff and the ambassador had been ransacked, the main embassy office set on fire and personal possessions belonging to UK diplomats stolen.

The US, EU and UN Security Council also condemned the attacks.

Last week, the US, Canada and the UK announced new sanctions against Iran, including measures to restrict the activities of the Iranian central bank.

The UK said then it was severing all financial ties with Iran.

The move followed a report by the UN's nuclear watchdog that said Iran had carried out tests "relevant to the development of a nuclear device".

Iran denies the accusations, saying its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.

On Sunday, Iran's parliament voted by a large majority to downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK in response to the recent action.

Eurozone crisis: Cameron and Sarkozy in Paris talks

he Paris talks came ahead of a crucial meeting of European leaders next week about the future shape of the EU.

Mr Sarkozy has said a new treaty is needed to impose financial discipline on countries using the single currency.

But Mr Cameron said steps could be taken to shore up the euro and improve the competitiveness of its weaker economies without treaty change.

Britain is not in the eurozone but is concerned a reorganisation could marginalise its influence in the EU.

The two leaders discussed plans to reorganise the governance of the eurozone, which will see closer co-operation within the 17-strong bloc, potentially reducing Britain's influence.

The move will be considered by the European Council at the end of next week, but Germany and France will agree a plan of action on Monday.

Any reforms of the Maastricht Treaty rules governing the eurozone will have to be agreed by all 27 members of the European Union.

'Grappling'

Mr Cameron said they had enjoyed "a very good meeting" and Britain wanted "to help solve the crisis in the eurozone".

"In the end, what that is about is convincing the markets that the institutions of the eurozone will defend and promote and protect the currency with everything they've got," he said.

"It also means fundamentally grappling with the lack of competitiveness of some European economies."He added: "Neither of those things actually require treaty change. but I'm very clear if there is treaty change I will make sure that we further and protect Britain's interests."

Mr Cameron has previously vowed to use any wider treaty change as an opportunity to claw back some powers from Brussels to Westminster.

BBC correspondent Christian Fraser says Mr Cameron is under pressure from Conservative backbenchers and will seek to explore what Britain might get in return for its support.

But the next few days are critical to the survival of the single currency, and our correspondent says it is unlikely Mr Cameron will want to slow down agreed eurozone changes.

Asked about the talks, Chancellor George Osborne said that although the UK did not want to be part of any future integration, it was in the UK's "economic interest" that eurozone countries worked more closely together "to sort themselves out".

On Thursday, Bank of England governor Mervyn King said the Bank was making unspecified "contingency plans" in case of a eurozone break-up, and that banks should brace themselves to withstand the "extraordinarily serious and threatening" economic situation.

In a speech on Thursday, Mr Sarkozy said France and Germany must come together to stabilise the eurozone and safeguard the euro's future.

'National interest'

Mr Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are due to meet on Monday to propose measures to "guarantee the future of Europe", Mr Sarkozy said.

Downing Street said it was waiting to see the options paper for reform which European Council president Herman van Rompuy is drawing up for next week's gathering of EU heads.But Conservative MP Bill Cash - one of the party's most longstanding Eurosceptics - said any move to closer fiscal integration among eurozone members would "undermine" the UK, as the government would be regularly outvoted on key issues.

"We are witnessing the creation of a kind of German zone driven very much by the needs of Germany and France and not in the interests of the UK," he told the BBC News Channel.

And the UK Independence Party, which campaigns for the UK to leave the EU, said Mr Cameron was being "softened up" as part of a process that would inevitably lead to closer political union.

"The crisis in Europe provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the British prime minister to act in British interests," its leader Nigel Farage said.

"That he refuses suggests that he prefers the polite applause of Paris, Berlin and Brussels to the wishes of the British people."