England Under-21s coach reacts to the draw for Euro 2015 qualifying

Stuart Pearce says the draw for the Euro 2015 qualifying campaign is 'fantastic' after England were paired with neighbours Wales.

The Three Lions Coach, who is currently preparing his young side for this summer's Finals in Israel, was at UEFA's HQ in Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday where his team were drawn in a six-nation group.

Along with the Welsh, who the Under-21s last faced in the play-off for the Euro 2009 Finals, Finland, Moldova, Lithuania and San Marino also make up Group 1.

"It's a fantastic draw for us in all honesty, apart from the fact that we are in a six-team group," he told TheFA.com. "That could put us under a little bit of pressure with regards to getting the fixtures in.

"When you look at the pots in terms of the other teams and their seedings, it could have been tougher. You never know, but I'm quite happy with the draw."

With the 2013 Finals still ahead for England, qualifying for the 2015 tournament, which will be played in Czech Republic, won't begin until August at the earliest.

Pearce, though, looked ahead to what he expects to be difficult encounter when they face Wales in their two group meetings.

"We obviously know the Welsh very well. And Finland, Lithuania, San Marino and Moldova are good teams for us to draw in terms of travelling," he said.

"We had a really tough game with the Welsh team a couple of years ago in the play-offs.

"I think they'll be two good games, like local derbies, so in that way they will be competitive as always."

Fans can get tickets to watch England Under-21s next game v Sweden at Walsall on Tuesday 5 February for the terrific price of just £10 for adults, £5 for children and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is only £20.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 01922 651416, buy online from Walsall FC or email tickets@walsallfc.co.uk  

2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Draw

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4	Group 5
ENGLAND	Russia	Netherlands	Spain	Switzerland
Wales	Denmark	Scotland	Austria	Ukraine
Finland	Slovenia	Slovakia	Hungary	Croatia
Moldova	Bulgaria	Georgia	Bosnia-Herz	Latvia
Lithuania	Andorra	Luxembourg	Albania	Liechtenstein
San Marino	Estonia
Group 6	Group 7	Group 8	Group 9	Group 10
Germany	Sweden	Israel	Italy	France
Romania	Turkey	Portugal	Serbia	Belarus
Montenegro	Greece	Norway	Belgium	Armenia
R Ireland	Poland	Macedonia	Cyprus	Iceland
Faroe Islands	Malta	Azerbaijan	N Ireland	Kazakhstan