Holders Spain handed challenging Euro 2016 group

Holders Spain face a difficult group stage at Euro 2016 ©Getty Images

Holders Spain have been handed a challenging start to UEFA Euro 2016 as they will begin their pursuit of a third straight title with matches against Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey, following the group stage draw at the Palais des Congres in Paris.

The ceremony took place without the UEFA President Michel Platini, who failed to have his 90-day suspension from football overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport yesterday.

Conducted by UEFA general secretary and FIFA Presidential candidate Gianni Infantino, the draw determined the fate of the 24 nations who will participate in France, with the continental finals having been expanded from 16 teams.

Spain, winners in 2008 and 2012, were placed into Group D with their first match of the tournament set to be against the Czech Republic in Toulouse on June 13.

Hosts France were drawn into Group A and will open the tournament on June 10 with a clash against Romania at the 80,000 capacity Stade de France.

During the Paris terrorist attacks in November, suicide bombers detonated devices outside the venue, raising questions regarding whether France would stage the 15th edition of the European Championship, although Euro 2016 organisers and UEFA both confirmed the tournament would proceed as planned.

Following their opening match France will also face clashes against their neighbours Switzerland and tournament newcomers Albania.

England also face local rivals having been drawn into Group B alongside Wales, who are appearing at their first major tournament since 1950, with the two nations also set to take on Slovakia and 2018 World Cup hosts Russia.

UEFA general secretary and FIFA Presidential candidate Gianni Infantino helped to conduct the draw ©Getty Images

Reigning world champions Germany are set to face Poland, Northern Ireland and Ukraine in Group D, while Belgium are the top seeded team in Group E, where they will take on the Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Italy.

Portugal will start as overwhelming favourites to finish top of Group F having been drawn against Austria, as well as rank outsiders Hungary and Iceland, with the latter making their maiden appearance at the finals.

The winners and runners-up of each group will progress to the last-16 phase of the competition, along with four of the best third place teams.

The action will draw to a close on July 10, with the final set to be held at the Stade de France.