Courtois knows Belgium faces mammoth Euro 2016 task
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has described his side's Euro 2016 draw against Sweden, Ireland and Italy as "not the easiest".
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois named Italy as his team's strongest competition after the draw for the group stages of Euro 2016.
Despite being ranked top in the FIFA world rankings, Belgium faces a tricky test after being draw with Italy, Republic Of Ireland and Sweden in Group E.
Belgium reached the quarter-finals at last year's FIFA World Cup and is strongly fancied for a deep run in France, but Courtois says that will only be possible if it hits the ground running at the tournament.
"It is not the easiest draw, but we have to deal with it now," Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois said.
"Italy are always a difficult opponent, Sweden with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic will be difficult, and Ireland always have a strong collective team, and are always difficult to beat at such a tournament.
"We have to be right on top form from the start."
Belgium's game against Italy looks set to be a highlight of the Euro 2016 group stage and the teams will open their campaigns against each other in Lyon on 13 June.
Courtois said: "Hopefully we do well against Italy who are the biggest competitor for group victory."
