Ireland's draw for the European Championships as tough as it gets

Ireland have been given a huge mountain to climb in their European Championship adventure as they've been drawn into one of the toughest groups in the tournament.

Ireland will face the world's top ranked side, Belgium, along with 2006 world champions Italy and Zlatan Ibrahimovic led Sweden.

Ireland were in Italy's group the last time they played in the European Championships, losing 2-0 to the 2006 World Cup Champions.

Meanwhile, England have been drawn alongside Wales in Group B of the competition, with Russia and Slovakia also in that grouping.

Northern Ireland were also given a tough draw for their return to an international championship, with world champions Germany in their group. Ireland's other qualification rivals Poland have also been drawn into Group C, which also features Ukraine.