91Èȱ¬

England's women have been drawn in a group with France, Russia and Spain for the Euro 2013 finals in Sweden.

Hope Powell's side, runners-up in 2009, finished top of their qualifying group to reach the tournament.

They are in Group C and will begin their tournament on 12 July against Spain in Linkoping. They play Russia three days later before ending their campaign on 18 July against France.

Hosts Sweden are in Group A, while top seeds Germany are in Group B.

Powell told 91Èȱ¬ Sport: "Whatever group we got, the games would have been tough but now we can start preparing. It will be a challenge.

"We have played all the teams in our group recently. We know their qualities. We know what we are up against but we will have them looked at. We want to do well."

Powell's side were knocked out of last year's World Cup on penalties by France, with former captain Faye White missing the vital spot-kick.

Euro 2013 takes place from 10-28 July 2013, with the top two sides in each group progressing to the knockout stages and the best two third-placed sides also joining them.

England, who will be making their eighth appearance at a Uefa European Championship,

Group A: Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Finland

Group B: Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Iceland

Group C: France, England, Russia, Spain