The British team are seeking to claim a fourth consecutive European Championships title on the Spanish Canary Island and began their campaign by beating Sweden yesterday.

A strong performance saw the Rio 2016 bronze medallists ease past Israel by a score of 86-43 in Las Torres.

Turkey, who lost to Britain in the 2015 final, share top spot in Group A after recording two wins.

They followed up an opening success against Israel by defeating Lithuania 77-53.

There are be three teams at the top of the Group A standings, with Germany having recorded their second victory after overcoming Sweden 79-58.

In Group B, Italy overcame Switzerland 79-64, before Spain beat Poland by a 70-59 scoreline.

France were beaten 57-54 in the day’s late match.

Defending women’s champions Germany secured a 49-35 triumph against Spain, giving them back-to-back wins to start their title defence.

France fell to a 56-52 loss to Britain, with their clash coming prior to Turkey’s heavy 81-17 loss to the Netherlands.

Only one group is being contested in the women's event.

As well as continental glory, places at the 2018 IWBF World Championships in Hamburg are also up for grabs, with the best six men's teams reaching the German city.

Only one women's team will fail to qualify.