France to play Romania in Euro 2016 opener

Football Soccer - Euro 2016 draw - Palais des Congres, Paris, France - 12/12/15 The trophy of the Euro 2016 is seen in front of a screen with results of draw REUTERS/Charles Platiau

PARIS (Reuters) - Spain will begin their bid for an unprecedented third successive European Championship title against Czech Republic while hosts France will open the 2016 tournament against Romania after the draw was made on Saturday.

Delegates were met by tight security at the Palais des Congress but one man notable by his absence was UEFA president Michel Platini, architect of the biggest-ever expanded 24-team finals that will run from June 10 to July 10.