The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued travel advice for England football fans planning to attend the 2012 UEFA European Championships following the draw for the tournament.

England have been placed alongside France, Sweden and Ukraine in Group D for the tournament, which gets underway in Warsaw on June 8th next year.

Following the draw, Foreign Office officials offered travel advice to the thousands of fans who will be visiting joint hosts Poland and Ukraine. 

The advice can be seen here.

Foreign office minister Jeremy Browne said: “Foreign Office staff will be present in the cities where the team play their matches to provide any consular assistance necessary to visiting fans. 

“I really hope fans can enjoy the games without having to turn to the Foreign Office for support, which is why we are providing travel advice now, to help supporters prepare. 

“A little awareness of local laws could help people avoid getting into trouble with local authorities – and possibly missing out on the football.”   

Travellers are being urged to research local laws and customs so they do not get caught out.

For example, drunkenness in public places may not be acceptable, warned the FCO.

There are significant distances between Euro 2012 venue cities and road conditions can be difficult in Poland and Ukraine, added the government body. 

The England Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) will also be stationed wherever the England team plays, offering support and advice to fans and working closely with the Foreign Office.

Kevin Miles, of the Football Supporters’ Federation said:  “The Euro 2012 draw brings home how close the tournament is, and makes fans’ planning much more concrete. 

“Clearly there are some challenges for fans at Euro 2012, including travel between venues and finding suitable accommodation,” he concluded.