Stuart Pearce's England have been drawn in the same group as Italy, Norway and hosts Israel at next year's UEFA European Championships.

That means that the Young Lions have avoided the likes of pre-tournament favourites Spain, Holland and Germany.

However, Pearce has insisted that he will not take any of England's opposition lightly.

"I thought the draw would only serve to underline what we already knew - that we will have to be at it from the off to beat the very best young teams in Europe if we are to succeed in this tournament," said the manager. "We are in with the hosts and they'll be backed by some great home support.

"Norway we know all about and there was very little between us in qualifying. Italy are technically very difficult to break down and we have experience of them in the past.

"On paper, it might look easy, but it never works that way. We are excited by it."

Matches will take place in Tel Aviv, Petah Tivka, Netanya and Jerusalem.