In the Euro 2024 draw conducted on Saturday, defending champions Italy found themselves in the same group as Spain, setting the stage for an intense battle.

The group stage will also witness a heavyweight clash between France and the Netherlands, with England managing to avoid tougher opponents.

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Gareth Southgate’s highly-touted England squad has been placed in Group C alongside Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia.

The opening game of the tournament on June 14 in Munich will feature hosts Germany facing Scotland. Italy, after their dramatic victory over England in the 2021 European Championship final, will contend with Spain, Croatia, and Albania in Group B.

Spain, winners of Euro 2012, will kick off their campaign against 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia in Berlin on June 15. Italy, positioned in the lower pot due to their narrow qualifying results, acknowledged the challenging draw but emphasized the pride in representing the country, as stated by coach Luciano Spalletti

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Meanwhile, the clash between France and the Netherlands in Group D adds another layer of excitement to the tournament, given their encounters in the qualifying stage, where France emerged victorious twice.

Group D also includes Austria and a play-off winner from among Poland, Wales, Finland, or Estonia.

England, considered one of the favorites alongside France, expressed satisfaction with their Group C opponents, despite the presence of Denmark.

Southgate highlighted the team’s development and readiness for the tournament’s expectations.

If England and France both top their respective groups, they could potentially meet in the semi-finals.

Scotland, opening the tournament against Germany in Group A, aims to create an impactful start, while Euro 2016 winners Portugal find themselves in Group F alongside Turkey, the Czech Republic, and a play-off winner.

Belgium, positioned in Group E, faces Slovakia, Romania, and the winner of another play-off path, including Israel, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Ukraine.

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The Euro 2024, spanning 10 cities across Germany, will conclude with the final in Berlin on July 14. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the last 16.

UEFA announced a total prize pot of 331 million euros ($360 million), with each participating team receiving 9.25 million euros initially, and up to 28.25 million euros for the winner if they triumph in all group games.