Uphill task for Ireland after difficult Euro 2024 draw

Republic of Ireland have been handed a nightmare draw for Euro 2024 qualifying with Netherlands and France in Group B.

The Boys in Green are in a five-team group along with one of the strongest fourth-pot teams, Greece

Stephen Kenny's side will also face Gibraltar as the final side in the group.

The top two teams will qualify, with a play-off possible for the tournament in Germany based on Nations League standings and the number of highly-ranked teams which have already qualified automatically.

It represents one of the worst possible scenarios for Kenny as they must get the better of one of two powerhouses in world football.

Northern Ireland were in the fifth pot of seeds and will take on Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and San Marino in Group H in a far more favourable draw.

England have been paired with European champions Italy.

Italy beat Gareth Southgate's team on penalties in the Euro 2020 final last summer. They will also face Ukraine along with North Macedonia and Malta

Scotland, aiming to qualify for a second successive Euros, have been drawn against three-time European champions Spain in Group A, along with Erling Haaland's Norway, Georgia and Cyprus.

Wales will feel they have a good chance of reaching a third consecutive major tournament, with 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia their toughest opponents in Group D.

Rob Page's team will also face Armenia, Turkey and Latvia.

GROUP A Spain Scotland Norway Georgia Cyprus

GROUP B Netherlands FranceRepublic of Ireland Greece Gibraltar

GROUP C Italy England Ukraine North Macedonia Malta

GROUP D Croatia Wales Armenia Turkey Latvia

GROUP E Poland Czech Republic Albania Faroe islands Moldova

GROUP F Belgium Austria Sweden Azerbaijan Estonia

GROUP G Hungary Serbia Montenegro Bulgaria