Eddie Jones’s side have been selected in Pool C along with France, Argentina, and two others – expected to be USA and Samoa – who are yet to qualify.
World champions New Zealand were grouped with twice champions South Africa and Italy in Pool B, while hosts Japan will take on Ireland and Scotland and two yet to be determined teams in Pool A.
Australia, runners up two years ago, will become reacquainted with Wales and also face Georgia and two other teams who have yet to qualify in Pool D.
“It’s all very exciting. We’ve got two Tests against Argentina in June so we can practice a little bit,” Jones said.
“France have really improved over the past two years and are certainly a dangerous team.”
The ninth World Cup takes place in Japan from September 20 – November 2 and will be the first time it is held in Asia.
Jones signed a four-year contract with England in December 2015 when he replaced Stuart Lancaster which will take him beyond the World Cup.
He has so far won 17 of his 18 England matches and recorded back-to-back Six Nations victories.
England flanker James Haskell says they will need to on top form, he said: “If you want to be the best you have to beat anyone. I would love to see the simplest pool, but it never works out that way.
“We all have miniature WC count-down clocks – mine switched off the other day – I’m not sure if I need to be worried about that.”
While Billy Vuniploa insits England don’t fear anybody.
“It’s just like the Champions Cup – you’re going to have to play all the best teams if you want to win the thing anyway,” said Vunipola.
“You shouldn’t be too worried if you prepare as well as you can and Eddie always makes sure that we do. We tend not to worry about other teams.”
But 2003 World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has warned them against complacency.
“In Pool C those big games will take their toll and it could be seven full on games – to manage that – is big,” he said.
“There is that danger if you get an easy run. If you have to dig in you can carry that through to the quarter-finals.”
Full draw:
Pool A: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Europe 1, play-off winner
Pool B: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Africa 1, Repechage winner
Pool C: England, France, Argentina, Americas 1, Oceania 2
Pool D: Australia, Wales, Georgia, Oceania 1, Americas 2
