UEFA Women's Euro 2009
23 August - 10 September 2009
Finland
The draw
Full draw and fixtures details, click here
Group A
Finland
Ukraine
Denmark
Netherlands
Group B
Germany
Iceland
Norway
France
Group C
Sweden
England
Russia
Italy

The draw for the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 has been made in Helsinki this afternoon and England have been drawn in Group C.

The Finals kick off in Helsinki on 23 August next year, but Hope Powell's side now know who they will face in Finland when they take to the field for their opener on 25 August.

England were the last team to be drawn out and were put into Group C along with Sweden, Russia and Italy. 

"Sweden will be tough, and we know that they will probably be considered favourites in the group," said Powell after the draw. "They are a traditional power, consistently ranked highly in the world and always perform well at major tournaments.

"We regard them highly and have learned a lot from their infrastructure. However, we are closing the gap."

Powell added: "Russia and Italy are fast developing and bringing through good young players, as shown by the good performances of their youth teams.

"We will now focus on our preparation and scouting our opponents. We are still developing as a team and this tournament will be another test for us in terms of our progress."

Their first match will be against Italy in Lahti on 25 August. They will then meet Russia in Helsinki Football Stadium on 28 August before rounding off their group games against Sweden in Turku on 31 August.

The Three Lions last met Sweden in a friendly in Cyprus in February this year, losing 2-0. The nations also met at Euro 2005 in Blackburn, with the Swedes edging that group game 1-0 to send England out. They had a better result in their last encounter with Russia - a 6-0 victory at Milton Keynes National Hockey Stadium in March 2007.

You have to go way back to February 2005 for the last meeting between England and Italy. That game, which was also in Milton Keynes finish 4-1 in the home sides favour. 

At next summer's Championship, the top two sides from each group will go into the Quarter-Finals along with the two best third-placed teams.

Current holders Germany are in a group with Iceland, Norway and France, while hosts Finland will entertain Ukraine, Denmark and Netherlands.

Click here to download full draw and fixtures details