International football managers across Europe have been reacting to the Euro 2016 draw, that took place in Paris on 12 December. Highlights of the 24-team draw include Roy Hodgsons England side being drawn in the same group as Chirs Colemans Wales, a group of death that includes Belgium, Italy, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, and Germany taking on Poland in Group C.
Talking about Englands group, which includes Slovakia and Russia, Hodgson said, We dont know very much about Russia or Slovakia, but that is something of course we will put right as from now, because it is only about two hours since I found out we will be playing against Russia, and now I have got six months to makes certain that I know everything there is to know about them, just as I am sure Slutskiy [Russian coach Leonid Slutskiy] will be doing the same thing with regard to England.
Francois de Keersmaecker, president of the Royal Belgium football federation said: So Belgium/Italy will be the first game, it will be a spectacular game, I must say but when you have the ambition to go for even to win the contest, then you have to play to everyone, you have to play to everyone, so we are very ambitious and we will see.
Defending champions Spain kick off their tournament against the Czech Republic in Group D, which also contains Turkey and Croatia.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said: I dont know what word to use, but I dont think its a comfortable group for us, because we have to be alert, Croatia is a great side, and is made up of very good players, and then you have the Czech Republic and Turkey they were in the Dutch group and they let the Dutch out, that shows you that we have to be alert.
I dont know if it is the same as four years ago, but we will look for the best preparation possible. You know that we have good clubs, who should make it towards the end of the Champions (league) and we will have them playing in the final and maybe we wont have enough time to practice but I think we are well organized for it, I think, he added.
The tournament kicks of in Paris on 10 June 2016, when France take on Romania.