England drawn with hosts

Wednesday, 28 November, 2012

Stuart Pearce's Young Lions have been drawn with Israel, Norway and Italy at Euro 2013

England will line up against tournament hosts Israel, Norway and Italy in next summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship Finals after the draw was made in Tel Aviv.

Stuart Pearce's side are the only team in Europe to qualify for the last four consecutive tournaments.

They will arrive in Israel in June looking to improve on their second place in UEFA's co-efficient ranking system, by overhauling current Under-21 title holders Spain, who are in Group B with Holland, Russia and Germany.

Pearce's Young Lions have played both Israel and Norway during the current campaign.

They defeated the Israelis 4-1 in a friendly in Barnsley last September, and took on Norway twice during their qualifying group stage.

A 2-1 victory for England away in Drammen in October 2011 was followed up by another success, this time 1-0, when the nations met again two months ago in Chesterfield.

England's most recent outing against Italy was in February 2011 when a late Azzurrini penalty edged a tight affair in Empoli 1-0.

Venues and match days are yet to be confirmed by UEFA but we will bring you information here as soon as details are confirmed.

The Groups