Hosts learn finals fate

Hosts Luxembourg will take on Spain, Hungary and Russia after the draw for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals was held at Mamer Castle this evening.

Platini present
In a ceremony conducted by Michael Platini and UEFA Youth and Amateur Committee chairman Jim Boyce, the home nation were placed in Group A while Belgium, Germany, Serbia and Montenegro and Czech Republic were pitted together in Group B.

Tough contest
In their first European final round, Luxembourg have a tough test. Spain have won six championships at U16 level and missed the finals last year for the first time since 1987, while Hungary had the joint-best record in the Elite round. Russia, meanwhile, became the first side to beat England in U17 qualifying when they won their decisive final Elite round encounter 2-1 in Scunthorpe.

Belgian debutants
In Group B, Belgium will be full of optimism after reaching their first U17 event and will face neighbours Germany, who remain unbeaten this year. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, were the last team to qualify for the finals after topping Elite round Group 3, knocking out holders Turkey and 2004 winners France in the process. Serbia and Montenegro, the fourth component, won Group 6 despite losing their opening fixture 2-1 against Israel.

Match schedule
The schedule for the finals, which will be held from 3-14 May, will be confirmed in the next few days.

UEFA European U17 Championship draw: