Olympic cycling gold medallist and former water polo player Jason Queally conducted the draw this afternoon at the Manchester Aquatics Centre (pictured) - host to the eight-day competition which takes place from July 8-15.

 

Britain were drawn in Group-B alongside water polo heavyweights France, Poland, Ukraine and Israel, but have managed to avoid polo supremos Montenegro in the group stages.

 

Britain men's Coach Eelco Uri believes competition will be tough but hopes his players will be boosted by the domestic support.

 

"Any draw was going to be tough because there are a lot of strong teams entered into the championships," he said.

 

"But it's good news we won't face Montenegro early on because they're a very strong squad and are the tournament favourites.

 

"We've got a real chance of progressing to the knockout stages and a the home crowd will provide a big boost for the team."

 

In the women's competition, which takes place in Prague from June 17, Britain were drawn in Group-B against France Slovakia and Turkey. Group A comprises Czech Republic, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Portugal and Switzerland.

 

Officials Manfred Vater and Marco Birri from LEN, the European federation for swimming, were in attendance to oversee the draw.

 

The competition schedule will be announced in the next week and tickets will be on sale from Monday April 8.

 

For more information on the LEN European Nations Trophy log onto www.manchester2007.com