ROVERS teammates David Dunn and Nils-Eric Johansson could come face to face in next year's World Cup, after England were drawn in the most difficult group.
The promising youngsters are both knocking on the door of their county's respective senior squads after impressive performances with the Under 21 squads.
Both could be heading to Japan and South Korea next summer and could meet after Sweden and England were drawn in the same group.
It is already being dubbed "The Group of Death" as they are joined by World Cup favourites Argentina and African Cup winners Nigeria.
The Republic of Ireland, who are expected to include Rovers stars Damien Duff and Alan Kelly in their squad for the finals, also have a tough task if they are to qualify for the latter stages after being drawn with Germany, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon.
And Rovers keeper Brad Friedel will face the hosts South Korea as well as two European teams, Poland and the talented Portugese.
The draw for the group stage of the 2002 World Cup is as follows:
Group A - France, Senegal, Uruguay, Denmark
Group B - Spain, Slovenia, Paraguay, South Africa
Group C - Brazil, Turkey, China, Costa Rica
Group D - South Korea, Poland, USA, Portugal
Group E - Germany, Saudi Arabia, Rep of Ireland, Cameroon
Group F - Argentina, Nigeria, England, Sweden
Group G - Italy, Ecuador, Croatia, Mexico
Group H - Japan, Belgium, Russia, Tunisia
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