England Partially Sighted squad head coach Ian Bateman is relishing the challenge of taking on top-class opposition at the IBSA B2/B3 Football World Championships in Sardinia this week.
Qualifying third in Europe, the Three Lions are hoping for a strong showing in a group with Japan, France and holders Ukraine.
Bateman said: “We are pleased with the draw.
“The players have worked very hard to get into peak fitness and they are supported by a fantastic, talented staff.”
Sandro Di Girolamo, president of Italian Paralympic Sports Federation for the Visually Impaired, said: “For the first time, the IBSA Partially Sighted Football World Championships will take place in Italy and we are very happy.
“This is a goal that rewards us for so many efforts in these past years. It will be a real sport festival in a charming place in our country.”
England squad: Dylan Malpas, Mark Croft, Adam Lione, Craig Groves, Gareth Jones, Steve Daley, Josh Pugh, Tom Lamb, Andy Cahill, Paul McHugh, Harry Gibbons, Jeremy Vernaeve
