EURO 2016: Things to know about Group D

– Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque on facing the Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia in Group D.

“Of course, England are favourites in the group, but I think every team has a chance of making it through to the next round”.

Manager Michael O’Neill insisted Northern Ireland would be fearless in France after being drawn against world champions Germany at Euro 2016.

As well as showing the final group game for Michael O’Neill’s men on June 21 next year, the Beeb will also screen Northern Ireland’s first game in the finals against Poland in Nice on June 12 with ITV having the middle match with Ukraine four days later in Lyon.

“I heard Chris Coleman say beforehand he didn’t want to play England but deep down both him and Roy (Hodgson) will be delighted”.

The Frenchman oversaw the expansion of the tournament from the 16 teams who competed at the last European Championship in Poland and Ukraine in 2012, but was unable to attend after failing in his attempt to overturn a 90-day suspension from the game.

“Sweden is a game to look forward to, so let’s go for it. They are not a one-man team, although Ibrahimovic has been a top class player”.

The final is on July 10 at the Stade de France in Paris.

“I think we share a love, of course, and an appreciation of Fulham Football Club which was good to both of us in Chris as a player and manager and me as a manager”.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said: “We had made provisional plans to play in Poland”.

“Whatever team we would have got out of that pot it would have been a tough one so why not have a tough one close to home”, Hodgson added after the draw at the Palais des Congress.

“Some groups look a little bit easier on paper but overall I’m pleased with what we’ve got”.

Bale, who scored seven goals in qualifying, wrote on Twitter: “Tough @UEFAEURO draw but can not wait to get to France, all starting to sink in now!”

“We have our games scheduled for March and I believe Martin has his games scheduled so it doesn’t leave us a lot of opportunity, but if we can help each other in any way I’m sure we will do”.

“We are the favorites and we want to win the group”, said German coach Joachim Low.

He said “Well, we’ve got them, it will be a great game, it is two good teams and to win 10 games in the campaign is a fantastic return”.