The Football Association has confirmed England will play friendly internationals with Slovakia and Slovenia in 2009.

Slovakia will visit Wembley Stadium on March 28 ahead of England's home World Cup qualifier against fellow eastern Europeans Ukraine three days later.

Slovenia will then take on Fabio Capello's side on September 5 ahead of the clash with Balkan neighbours Croatia on September 9.

England coach Capello helped to hand-pick the two opponents and believes they will provide ideal preparation for the more meaningful matches immediately afterwards.