Euro 2016: Hosts France to feature in qualifying

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Patrice Evra and James MilnerImage source, Getty Images

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could meet France in Euro 2016 qualifying, despite the tournament hosts' finals place already secured.

The rule change from Uefa sees France become the first host nation to take part in a Euro qualification phase.

Their addition to the group-stage draw will create nine pools of six teams, yet the games will be "centralised friendlies" with no points awarded.

The six seeding pots will be drawn on 23 February.

Uefa's new rule is outlined in Euro 2016 regulation article 21.02, which reads: "The teams drawn into the group of five teams will have France added to their group for the purpose of playing."

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