Eli Guttman insists that Israel has been given its toughest ever challenge in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

Guttman was in Russia to see Israel paired with European heavyweights Spain and Italy in Group G.

Albania - who beat Portugal last year - along with Macedonia and minnows Lichtenstein make up the group.

Israel boss Guttman said: "This is the most difficult draw that Israeli football has been handed since we joined Uefa (in 1992).

"It's a huge challenge for any manager and player but at the moment we must focus on our Euro 2016 qualifying campaign."

It is not clear whether Guttman will still be in charge of Israel, when the 2018 campaign begins at home to Italy on September 5, 2016.

With only the top team qualifying automatically and the runners-up consigned the play-offs, Israel face a daunting fight to still be in contention when they host Spain for the final match in October 2017.