Former Euro kings await Spain

Spain could be grouped with their three European champion predecessors when the draw for Euro 2012 is made today.

Trying to become the first team to successfully defend a European title, Uefa’s seedings left the Spanish with the possibility of facing Greece, France and Germany in the group stage in Poland and Ukraine.

While Spain are favourites, Vicente Del Bosque’s side have lost four matches against the world’s top teams since following up their Euro 2008 title with their first World Cup trophy last year.

“We are in a more difficult position than in 2008 – back then we were contenders,” said Del Bosque, who replaced Luis Aragones after Euro 2008. “Now we go as holders. We go there with an even bigger responsibility. There is a greater selection of top sides – the Netherlands, Germany, England, Italy, France. It’s a tall order against some quality opposition.”

Euro 2012 will be a true test of the continent’s footballing elite as the top 14 teams – as ranked by Uefa on competitive matches since 2006 – all qualified. Ukraine are ranked 14th and Poland are at No 28.

“It’s going to be a high-class, attractive tournament with all top teams from the Uefa rankings,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew.

“At this moment [the European Championship] is tougher than the World Cup,” added England manager Fabio Capello. “The teams that finished first, second and third in the World Cup came from Europe.”

Kiev’s Palace of Arts will be the venue where the 16 teams discover their group stage opponents for the tournament, which takes place from 8 June to 1 July.