Euro 2012 draw 

AP

Spain will begin the defence of its European Championship title in a first-round group against Italy, Croatia and Ireland, reports The Associated Press.

England was drawn Friday into a group with co-host Ukraine, France and Sweden.

The Netherlands is top-seeded in what appears to be the toughest group with Germany, Portugal and Denmark.

Poland, the other host nation, is joined by Russia, Greece and Czech Republic in what many see as the weakest group.

The tournament starts June 8 when Poland plays 2004 champion Greece in Warsaw. The final is July 1 in Kiev.

FULL DRAW

Group A

1. Poland

2. Greece

3. Russia

4. Czech Republic

Group B

1. Netherlands

2. Denmark

3. Germany

4. Portugal

Group C

1. Spain

2. Italy

3. Ireland

4. Croatia

Group D

1. Ukraine

2. Sweden

3. France

4. England