Republic of Ireland handed tough Euro 2016 group

The Republic of Ireland have learned their group opponents for Euro 2016 after today’s draw in Paris.

Ireland will begin their campaign on June 13 in Stade de France, Paris against Sweden. Next up Martin O’Neill’s men will play FIFA’s number one ranked side Belgium in Bordeaux on June 18.

Ireland’s final match in the group stages will see them face Italy in Lille on June 22.

"The matches will be very difficult. But they are games to look forward to and we have a couple of months to prepare for them," said Ireland manager Martin O'Neill after the draw in Paris.

"[The draw] couldn't have been tougher. There are lots of plots and sub-plots, I don't think the fans' enthusiasm will be diminished by the draw, in fact I think they might even be enhanced.

"They are big games to look forward to, a really tough draw, and we'll see what develops."

The UEFA Euro 2016 draw is as follows:

Group A: France, Romania, Albania, Switzerland.

Group B: England, Russia, Wales, Slovakia.

Group C: Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland.

Group D: Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, Croatia.

Group E: Belgium, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Sweden.

Group F: Portugal, Iceland, Austria, Hungary.