England were drawn with their 2018 World Cup conquerors Croatia while other favourites were given a much easier ride in the 24-team tournament, which will be played between June 12 and July 12 in 12 different countries across the region.

The clear pick of the six first round pools was Group F, to be played in Munich and Budapest, which pitted France, Portugal and Germany, plus the winners of either playoff A or D.

However, the sting was slightly taken away by the format which allows four of the six third-placed teams to qualify for the round of 16.

UEFA's decision to rank the teams according to their result in the qualifiers, combined with Portugal's performance in their group, meant they ended up among the third seeds while France were one of the second seeds.

"This is a group of death," said Loew whose side will play all three games at home under competition rules.

France coach Didier Deschamps called it the "hardest of all six groups," but added Germany and Portugal would "also not be especially happy to have France in their group."

England and Croatia will be joined in Group D by the Czech Republic and the winners of playoff C - either Scotland, Norway, Serbia or Israel - with games to be played in London - host for the semi-finals and final - and Glasgow.

"For us to be playing at Wembley is something very special so we're really looking forward to the tournament," England manager Gareth Southgate told the BBC.

The Group D winners will face the runners-up from Germany's group in the round of 16 while the second-placed team will travel to Copenhagen to meet the Group E runners-up - potentially an easier match.

Other European Championship favourites were given a much easier-looking ride.

Italy, who won all 10 qualifying games as they bounced back from failing to make the last World Cup, will face Turkey, Wales and Switzerland in Group A, in Rome and Baku.

"We have a slight advantage by playing at home. Maybe some will think we are favourites but we need to confirm everything on the pitch, as always," Italy coach Roberto Mancini said.

Euro 2008 and 2012 champions Spain, who will jointly host Group E in Bilbao with Dublin, play Sweden, Poland and playoff winner B - either Bosnia, Slovakia, Ireland or Northern Ireland.

World No.1 Belgium's opponents in Group B will be Denmark and Russia - who are both host nations - and Finland, who will be making their first appearance in a European Championship or World Cup.

The Netherlands were pitted against Ukraine, Austria and playoff winner A or D in Group C, which will be played in Amsterdam and Bucharest.

Australian Associated Press