Players and pundits have been giving their reaction to the Euro 2012 group stage draw which took place on Friday evening.

England, who were the last team out of the hat, have been put in Group D alongside Sweden, France and hosts Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland must play holders Spain, Italy and Croatia for a place in the knockout stages.

Elsewhere, the traditional 'Group of Death' would appear to be Group B which has pitted together Holland, Germany, Portugal and Denmark.

Netherlands and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart: "Strong teams in our pool Denmark, Germany & Portugal. Should be great games!"

Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere: "Good draw. Hard group but as I said got to beat the best to win it! Be some banter at Arsenal as well with the French lads!"

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni: "We have to think about football where anything is possible, we have to play with the same mentality we have shown and I am confident. I know Italy better but every game is different, Spain are also a very, very strong team but we have to think about our moment. It is important now that our squad is complete with no injuries."

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic: "It is a tough group, but you can't get easy opponents, it's the 16 best teams in Europe. We have a privilege to play the world champions and the former world champions. Spain are the favourites. Trapattoni is a genius and a top man and I am looking forward to playing against him once more."

Netherlands and Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder: "Nice group... Heavy, but nice games...."

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas: "Italy, Ireland and Croatia. Difficult group."

Former England captain Paul Ince on BBC Sport: "Overall we've got to be absolutely delighted. It's a fantastic group for us - the gods have been smiling down on us."