France have lined up a quartet of international friendlies against world champions Germany, Spain, Italy and England in their build-up to Euro 2016, French federation president Noel Le Graet announced Thursday.

France, the 1998 World Cup winners, are hosting the European championship for a third time and will take on Spain at the Stade de France on September 4 before facing Joachim Loew's Germany, Italy and England next year, with those dates yet to be determined.

"We're going to play, Spain, Italy, Germany, England and perhaps Colombia...They will be matches of the highest level so that (France coach) Didier (Deschamps) will be ready with his team to be as prepared as possible for a competition (Euro 2016) that will be difficult," said Le Graet.

France qualify automatically for the competition in two years' time, as the host nation, and will also take part in qualifying although their results will not be taken into account.

The 1984 and 2000 European champions will play fixtures against Portugal, Denmark, Armenia and Albania after opening against Serbia on September 7 at Belgrade in Group I action.