Tom Mohan's youngsters became the first Irish side to qualify for the tournament since 2008 last month but have been drawn against top tier nations Netherlands, Italy and the holders England.

Ireland's qualifying campaign saw them lose just one tie in six so they will head to the final in May confident that they can make an impression even if they know a massive test awaits them in every game.

England are the reigning UEFA U17 Champions and winners in 2010 while the Netherlands were winners in 2011 and 2012. Italy were the beaten finalists in 2013.

"There's no doubting that this is going to be a very tough group but we knew when we qualified that we'd be mixing with top quality teams no matter who you are in with," said Mohan.

"England beat Holland in the final last year so they are naturally going to be top class opposition. Italy always excellent at underage level so of course we expect all of our games to be tough.

"However our players have done brilliantly for us this year and I am confident that they can prove ourselves against the best teams in Europe."

The order of the games will confirmed later today as UEFA decides which fixtures will be played in which venue.

"Everything on our minds will be on preparing for first game, whichever of our opponents that'll be," said Mohan.

"We'll be gathering as much information as possible on all three sides and we'll also have a five day training camp in advance of tournament before we go to Bulgaria."

The provisional match schedule, which is to be fully confirmed next week:

Thursday, May 7

Ireland v Netherlands, Sozopol Stadium (13.00hrs)

Sunday, May 10

Ireland v Italy, Stara Zagora Stadium (16.00hrs)

Wednesday, May 13

England v Ireland, Stara Zagora (19.00hrs)