Both teams made changes ahead of the Final, with the home team bringing Serhiy Rybalka and Vitaliy Kaverin back after suspension, replacing Sergii Shevchuk and Dmytro Yeremenko. England drafted Joe Mattock in at left-back in place of striker Rhys Murphy, moving Middlesbrough’s Joe Bennett into midfield and Nathan Delfouneso to the other flank. The group stage meeting saw Kyrylo Petrov give his team a very early lead and inside five minutes at the Olympic Stadium in Donetsk, they had another early advantage. Dmitriy Korkishko swung over a corner and Denys Garmash, scorer of two Semi Final goals against Serbia, smashed the ball past Jason Steele.

Despite the goal, England bounced back well and had the possession and territorial advantage. Some of their attacking may have been of rudimentary direct nature, but it was causing worries, and just after the quarter hour mark Delfouneso had a goal dubiously disallowed for offside. It was as close as the Three Lions were going to get in a first half which began to struggle under the weight of a number of fouls, with a discernable lack of goalmouth action. The start of the second half, however, saw things get better for the hosts.

Much like the first half, within five minutes of kickoff they had a goal, and it was in sublime fashion. A careless foul from Dan Gosling left an opportunity some 30 yards out in a central position. Korkishko, who provided the first, stepped up and whipped a sumptuous shot over a static wall and past the helpless Steele for a quite fabulous second goal. It flattened England’s second half enthusiasm, and put a marker down for the remainder of the game.

England had been looking lethargic at times and with the arrival of a two-goal deficit, there seemed a distinct lack of effort to get back into the game. Welbeck’s running was admirable but he found a lack of support and a lack of creativity from midfielders Lansbury and Drinkwater, who was withdrawn in favour of Andrew Tutte. It was Gosling who had the best of Brian Eastick’s team’s chances midway through the second half, meeting Joe Bennett’s neat cross on time, but his shot was well blocked by the defence.

Content with their lead, Ukraine didn’t really force the issue, and despite often coming forward they weren’t really worrying Steele. At the other end Welbeck was withdrawn for the physical presence of Nile Ranger, but nothing was forthcoming. Mattock’s free kick stung the hands of Levchenko but never particularly threatening, and it was about the most work the stopper had to do. The game petered out in six minutes of stoppage time and the referee’s final whistle sent the 20,000 fans into raptures, with Korkishko lifting the trophy in fantastic scenes.

Ukraine: Levchenko, Kushnirov, Partsvaniya, Kryvtsov, Korkishko, Petrov (Ieremenko 90), Garmash, Shakhov, Rybalka, Kaverin (Shevchuk 80), Chaykovskiy

England: Steele, Walker, Briggs (Hoyte 56), Trippier, Bennett, Mattock, Gosling, Drinkwater (Tutte 55), Lansbury, Delfouneso, Welbeck (Ranger 63)

Arguably the showpiece game was up first, although the locals disagreed, staying away from the first Semi Final en masse. They missed a fantastic, dramatic, controversial and at times farcical fixture which went 120 minutes, had three red cards and some great football. It was the French who started well, moving the ball better than England, who looked second best in every department. Despite making four changes, Jean Gallice’s team were quickly into their flow and had an 8th minute lead through Magaye Gueye, after some good work from Yacine Brahimi.

Ryan Boudebouz threatened to make it 2-0 whilst England toiled, but as the first half stretched on the Three Lions came into things a bit more and had their first chance at goal when Matthew Briggs missed a decent chance from Joe Bennett’s free kick. From their next set piece five minutes later the equaliser arrived. Daniel Drinkwater’s 20-yard free-kick was tame and hit the wall, but was smashed into the bottom corner on the rebound by Henri Lansbury, comfortably England’s best player at the Finals.

Both goalkeepers were tested at the start of the second half by both goalscorers respectively, and Daniel Welbeck had a strong penalty appeal turned down before he was substituted injured. Nile Ranger replaced him and was soon in the thick of it, subject to a challenge from Sebastian Corchia, which earned the Frenchman a second yellow card and an early bath. Despite the numerical advantage, England couldn’t find a breakthrough and the match went into extra time.

Oddly, it only took them two minutes of the extended period to grab the lead, as Nathan Delfouneso mopped up an easy tap-in after some fine work from Joe Mattock. Abdel El Kaoutari ensured the French were reduced to nine men for two yellows of his own, and Delfouneso put the game to bed in the second half of extra time with a solo effort. Boudebouz became the third French casualty of some interesting refereeing late on for dissent, and both Lansbury and Mattock hit the woodwork with the French having waved the white flag of surrender. England duly progressed to only their second ever European Under-19 Final.

England: Steele (c), Trippier, Briggs (Hoyte 79), Bennett, Walker, Gosling, Drinkwater, Lansbury, Welbeck (Ranger 75), Delfouneso, Murphy (Mattock 63)

France: Pillot, Corchia, N’Diaye, El Kaoutari, Riviere, Gueye (Partouche 63), Makonda, Boudebouz, Peybernes (Nelson 81), Guilavogui (Le Tallec 52), Brahimi

Goals: Gueye ’8, Lansbury ’37, Delfouneso ’92, ’106

The fans showed up in force for the second Semi to see if their hosts could upset the odds and beat Serbia, arguably the best team so far. It didn’t take long for them to make an impact, with Yevhen Shakhov putting Ukraine ahead after just 50 seconds. It totally shocked the favourites, who couldn’t handle the tempo, and further efforts from Yeremenko, Shevchuk and Garmash inside the first 20 minutes caused them even more worries. All of this meant that when the clinical Danijel Aleksic levelled scores halfway through the first half, it was totally against the run of play.

The home team had their lead back before the break though, as Denys Garmash beat Kirovski to send the healthy attendance into raptures once again. Ukraine were seizing their moment, whilst Serbia looked to be the rabbit caught in the headlights of a big occasion. More of the same followed after the restart, with only a cacophony of fouls and some set pieces from Adem Ljajic keeping Serbia from being totally swamped. Garmash and Kyrylo Petrov kept Kirovski busy, but Milic ensured that Serbia still had the ability to pull the game level again by worrying Levchenko.

With time running out, Serbia began to resort to direct play, but had little to no success, allowing the hosts to keep the lead intact. With five minutes left they put things to bed with Garmash’s second, and a place in the final. Korkishko burst through the last line of defence and drew a good save from Kirovski, but the ball stayed in the danger zone and a composed cross found Garmash’s head to swoop into an empty net and confirm their place in Sunday’s showpiece occasion.

Serbia: Kirovski, Miljkovic, Blagojevic, Medojevic, Crnoglavac, Aleksic, Milic (Bubalo 90), Ljajic, Cvetkovic (Djuricic 84), Matic (Prso 45), Milanovic

Ukraine: Levchenko, Kushnirov, Partsvaniya, Kryvtsov, Korkishko, Petrov, Garmash, Shevchuk (Karnoza 90), Shakhov, Yeremenko, Chaykovskiy

Group B was first to kick off, and as with all UEFA group finales, both matches kicked off simultaneously. With Serbia in the ascendancy, their fixture agaisnt Turkey took a back seat to the intriguing clash of Spain and France, where the Spaniards held the advantage with an opening round win over Turkey, meaning Les Bleus had to win. This fact wasn’t lost on Jean Gallice’s charges, who flew out of the traps with a high tempo opening spell, pressing high up the pitch. Damien Le Tallec almost found gains, but was well stopped by reserve goalkeeper Diego Marino.

Oriol tested France goalkeeper Rémi Pillot at the other end but the first goal was always going to be French and just shy of the half hour they duly went ahead. Yacine Brahimi, scorer of their first goal of these championships, neatly exchanged passes with Ryad Boudebouz and kept his cool to slot the ball past Marino and give France a strong advantage. Spain simply didn’t seem interested – a trend of their youth summer to date – and were lucky not to be two down before the break as Le Tallec headed a cross against the frame of the goal.

As if attempting to make the game more entertaining for the neutral, France decided that one goal was all they needed and chose to sit back, allowing Spain to come forward and get into their stride. Substitute Dani Aquino – the team’s top goalscorer during qualifying only to go off the boil for the Finals – wasted their best chance with a well-connected volley, and Joselu San Martin had an opening close quite quickly, but it was to end in negative circumstances when Oriol was sent off in the dying seconds for a frustrated lash out at N’Diaye. The card may have been a tad harsh, but Spain’s elimination was totally deserved.

In the other group match, Serbia did what was expected of them by seeing Turkey off 1-0 with a first-half Danijel Aleksic goal. Turkey had Ridvan Simsek sent off in the second half and failed to cause an upset and make good on coach Ogun Temizkanoglu’s claims of a Semi Final berth. Serbia thus won the group, whilst France took second place. Attentions then turned to Group A’s evening fixtures, where Switzerland topped the group going into the last round of games, where everyone could still qualify.

England emphatically made sure their competition was to continue, as Slovenia’s lack of experience at this level was finally found out. Five down at half time, they eventually succumbed to a 7-1 defeat, and were reduced to ten men for the third straight game as Boban Jovic was dismissed for the second time in a week. Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury steered the first home after good work from Nathan Delfouneso, before turning provider with a corner which was headed home by Fulham’s Matthew Briggs.

In the 25th minute it was 3-0 with Lansbury again at the heart of things, playing an incisive pass to Daniel Welbeck to finish a swift counter attack. Welbeck had his second seven minutes later courtesy of an Andrew Tutte assist, and the fifth came after Jovic was sent off for a high challenge on Lansbury. Undeterred, England’s talisman delivered a corner for Delfouneso to add his name to the expanding list of goalscorers. But for Alen Vukcic, Welbeck would have had a first half hat-trick, but a superb goalline clearance kept it to just five.

Slovenia got themselves a consolation from Dejan Dimitrov to start the second half but England had switched down some gears, content with their win. Further goals were added by Delfouneso and Nile Ranger, and England topped their group. That was because of a dramatic late goal in Donetsk, where hosts Ukraine elimiated Switzerland with an 85th minute goal from Serhiy Rybalka.

Serhiy Kryvtsov and Denys Garmash had early opportunities to put their team ahead as Ukraine started with a steely intent to do their home fans – in great numbers again – proud, but Oliver Klaus was equal to their efforts in the Swiss goal. The Swiss needed something to go their way and on the stroke of half time got their wish, when Vitaly Kaverin was sent off for a second bookable offence – kicking the ball away. With their opponents down to ten and needing a win, the Swiss firmly had the upper hand.

Sebastian Wutrich had a glorious chance to put the group to rest but his effort flew over the crossbar, and Ukraine introduced another striker in Sergii Shevchuk, desperate for one chance to fall their way. With just five minutes remaining Rybalka had that chance, reacting when opposing defenders didn’t, to sweep past Klaus and seal a dramatic turnaround.

The result means the Semi Finals shape up as follows:

England vs France
Serbia vs Ukraine

Both matches will be played Thursday, with kickoff times and venues to be confirmed. Football Prospects will, as ever, cover them for you.

France and Turkey opened proceedings, but were both timid in their approach, knowing that after failing to win on day one meant a defeat this time would all but end qualification hopes. Les Bleus’ Tripy Makonda was causing some problems with his lively wing play, but there was to be no first half breakthrough. Turkey’s resolute defence allowed their team to stay in the game, and they took the lead midway through the second half. Umut Sozen delivered a corner which found Bursaspor striker Sercan Yildirim, and the most prolific scorer in the squad just about scored despite some desperate attempts to clear on the line.

It meant France absolutely had to score in order to keep up Semi Final hopes, and they did get there, in dramatic last-gasp circumstances. Maxime Partouche and Joshua Guilavogui both had good chances before Ryad Boudebouz had an injury-time pot-shot in desperation. It crashed off the crossbar, and fortunately for France landed for Alfred N’Diaye, and he snared the chance with glee, leaving them with a chance of the knockout phases.

Slovenia and Switzerland were second up, both having earned a first game point. After their late show against England it was to be another comeback from the Swiss, taking all three points in the closing stages, and it was Slovenia’s continued ill discipline which ultimately cost them. The first half was almost all Switzerland, with Orhan Mustafi causing relentless problems for the Slovenian defence. In return, they were being limited to long-range efforts, but Leon Crncic did have a chance on half time, which he mis-kicked to safety.

They came into the game more in the second half, and after Dejan Zadniker hit the woodwork with a crashing long-range effort, they took the lead. An attempted 66th minute cross from Matic Fink fooled everybody and dropped over the head of goalkeeper Oliver Klaus. It stunned the dominant Swiss, and Zadnikar almost took full advantage, but for the second time he saw a shot come back off the frame of the goal. They were to shoot themselves in the foot though, when with fifteen minutes left Dejan Lazarevic picked up his second yellow card and Slovenia’s second red card of the tournament, and hand the game to the Swiss.

Within three minutes Alexander Pasche had them level, firing low past Radan. With the tide firmly turned, Sebastian Wutrich – scorer of the dramatic stoppage-time free kick against England on Tuesday – rolled the ball into the path of Mustafi for an easy tap-in and a probably deserved winner.

The marquee game of the day came up third, as Serbia proved their title credentials by beating perennial youth favourites Spain. It started well for the latter, who grabbed a sixth-minute lead when Joselu San Martin scored his second goal in as many games. The number nine turned in a rebound after Oriol’s attempt was saved, after good work from Iago Falqué and Pulido. In response, Nemanja Milic tested David De Gea, but the Atlético goalkeeper was even to whatever was thrown at him.

That was, at least, until the 36th minute. Adem Ljajic’s free kick was unusually spilled by De Gea, and it was duly gobbled up by Milan Milanovic for the equaliser. It caught the attention and the confidence of the Serbs, and through the swashbuckling Ljajic they started to look dangerous. A rasping drive at the start of the second half signalled the intent, although Spain still fired warning shots through Merida. Five minutes into the restart, Milanovic scored his second. Ljajic delivered a wonderful ball and the defender rose to flick in his second of the game. Despite having the better of the ball for the remainder of the game, Spain were unable to level, and relinquished pole position in the standings to their victorious opponents.

The hosts were up last against fancied England, and were impressive in holding their opponents to an entertaining 2-2 draw. It took less than three minutes for the first goal to arrive, as captain Kyrylo Petrov finished a lovely team move by passing a shot past Jason Steele. The England stopper was more reliable than his nervous back line as he kept the Three Lions in it shortly after, turning away a Korkishko effort.

Halfway through the first half, England were level. Goalkeeper Igor Levchenko struggled to deal with a backpass, which was seized upon by Daniel Welbeck. Levchenko felled the Man Utd forward, and from the resulting penalty, Henri Lansbury converted. The confidence imbibed in the English was tangible, and their dominance turned into an early second-half lead. Daniel Drinkwater’s free-kick took a heavy deflection and with many Ukrainians thrown out of position, Everton’s Dan Gosling turned the ball home.

It was to end well for the hosts though, and captain Petrov. Ten minutes later Butko’s inswinging cross was met by a powerful header for his second, and the last goal of proceedings. The loud home crowd willed their team on to win, but despite good efforts from Garmash, Rybalka and Petrov, Steele was not to be beaten and both teams settled for their second successive draws.

Tuesday sees round three of group games, where all four qualification spots remain up for grabs.

England and Switzerland got things underway first in Donetsk and Brian Eastick’s team may feel harshly done by, having led until stoppage time, when a special goal from Sebastian Wutrich stole a point. The Three Lions went in with an athletic and aggressive front three of Daniel Welbeck, Nile Ranger and Nathan Delfouneso, but despite the intent, they started cautiously, mindful of the importance of not losing the first game of a three-match group. Switzerland were content to follow and the first half was therefore a slow and somewhat turgid affair, livened up ten minutes from the interval with the tournament’s opening goal.

England won a free kick on the edge of the area, which allowed left-back Joe Mattock to step up and send a perfect effort past Oliver Klaus. The Swiss almost hit back instantly but having failed to do so, they began to toil as the heat in the Ukraine picked up in the second half. Welbeck went close twice, with one effort well cleared off the line, and Arsenal’s Henri Lansbury was playing well. As the game ran later, Switzerland became more desperate, but despite making two late saves, England goalkeeper Jason Steele was powerless when Wutrich sent a free kick of his own crashing into the back of the net two minutes into stoppage time to take a point.

France and Serbia had kicked off Group B in Mariupol halfway through the first match, and it was the French who will be more pleased with the 1-1 final score, having played well and picked up a point against a strong opponent, at least on paper. The Serbians started brightly and drew Adboulaye Keita into early action in the French goal, but Les Bleus got going as the first half went on and deservely took the lead shortly before half time. Damien Le Tallec found time and space to play Yacine Brahimi in down the left and the Rennes striker was composed in bending a lovely effort past Aleksandar Kirovski.

The lead wasn’t to last the half though, as Serbia’s two key players combined to bring them back to terms. Manchester United bound Adem Ljajic bound forwards, poked the ball forward and saw Danijel Aleksic get enough on it to find the net. It was as good as it got for the Serbs though, as it was Kirovski who was busier in the second half, saving from Bulot and N’Diaye and most impressively from Le Tallec to keep his team in credit with a tournament opening point.

The hosts were underway third against debutants Slovenia, who suffered the competition’s first red card but were dogged and proud in performance to frustrate the home side and earn a point. Martin Milec nearly caused an early upset as the Ukraine struggled to get to grips with the competition but they got into their stride and saw chances fall to Petrov and Karnoza. They looked particularly dangerous from set pieces, particularly when Karnoza rippled the side netting with a good attempt. Still, they weren’t making any headway, and Petrov spurned the best chance early in the second half, fluffing an unmarked opportunity at the far post.

Slovenia had a similar chance of their own minutes later, but Milec’s attempt went the same way. As the Ukrainian pressure continued, Boban Jovic was sent off for two bookable offences to make the last ten minutes a nervous affair, but Slovenia survived to take a 0-0 draw, even finding time to nearly steal a win through Dejan Zadnikar.

The fourth and final fixture of the day kicked off in Illychivets, the other stadium in Mariupol, pitting Turkey against favourites Spain. The bullish Turks started brilliantly and had a 12th minute lead when some good play down the right found its way across the area to Eren Albayrak, who turned well before lashing a left-footed attempt past David De Gea. Tunay Torun then went down the right himself and had options to pull back to but selfishly shot wide and could have made it 2-0 against the four-time winners. That he didn’t was to be a point of regret, as the lead stayed at a single goal and gave Spain a chance.

It was a chance they took at the start of the second half, as Jose Luis San Martin was felled in the penalty area by Serkan Kurtulus. Juventus midfielder Iago Falqué stepped up and scored, and two minutes later the turnaround was complete. Jordi – impressive on the night – delivered a dangerous cross to the near post, and saw San Martin smash the ball into the top corner. Spain were comfortable enough from that point, despite rising Turkish pressure, and a late attempt from Sercan Yildirim, and duly took the first three points of the competition – already as many as they had in the whole of the 2008 tournament.

Everyone now takes a breather and re-groups ahead of Friday’s second round of matches, headlined by Serbia vs Spain.

It’s been quite a summer for Germany. They took the Under-17 crown at the end of May before adding the Under-21 title to it in in June. It meant that for a while, they held all three of UEFA’s major youth titles. It was only to be brief though, as they have to relinquish their 2007 crown, having failed to qualify for this tournament.

The seven who have qualified to join the hosts are a mix of the experienced and the outsider. Spain, France and England will all harbour title ambitions, Turkey, Switzerland and Serbia will look to surprise, and Slovenia will almost look just to enjoy the competition. Below, we preview each team’s chances.

Group A

England

England had a terrible time in 2007, embarrassingly crashing out in the Group Stage of a competition they were expected to do well in. Brian Eastick’s 2009 generation are stronger both as a collective and physically, and many of the party finished runners-up to Spain in 2007′s Under-17 Finals. They almost strolled to the Ukraine, only losing to Serbia along the way, and in Daniel Welbeck have a player incredibly capable of taking them to glory. Manchester United have given their gifted teenager permission to play in the competition, and his goals will be crucial to their chances. Newcastle United’s Nile Ranger adds a freakish blend of size, pace and power, whilst Matthew James and Henri Lansbury keep things elegant and controlled in midfield. The squad has seen six withdrawals to club commitments, something which has disappointed Eastick.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jason Steele (Middlesbrough FC), Declan Rudd (Norwich City FC).

Defenders: Gavin Hoyte (Arsenal FC), Matthew Briggs (Fulham FC), Joe Mattock (Leicester City FC), Joe Bennett (Middlesbrough FC), Kyle Walker (Sheffield United FC), Kieran Trippier (Manchester City FC).

Midfielders: Danny Drinkwater (Manchester United FC), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal FC), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Matthew James (Manchester United FC), Daniel Gosling (Everton FC), Andrew Tutte (Manchester City FC).

Forwards: Danny Welbeck (Manchester United FC), Nile Ranger (Newcastle United FC), Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa FC), Rhys Murphy (Arsenal FC).

Prediction: Semi-Finalists

Slovenia

This is Slovenia’s first finals, and whilst it will be a learning experience for them, they’re competitive and have some emerging talents. Haris Vukcic is a leading light of Newcastle United’s academy, and Vid Belec is a goalkeeper attached to Inter Milan. Otherwise not much is known about a team who pipped Holland to qualification on goal difference, but they have been given a slightly better chance of causing an upset or two by being drawn in the markedly weaker Group A. That said, they have an incredibly tough ask.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Franci Biček (NK Domžale), Matej Radan (NK Maribor).

Defenders: David Jerkovič (NK Triglav Kranj), Boban Jovič (NK Aluminij), Nejc Mevlja (NK Gorica), Anel Omerovič (AC Sparta Praha), Matej Rapnik (NK IB Ljubljana), Alen Vučkič (NK Domžale).

Midfielders: Matic Fink (NK IB Ljubljana), Dejan Lazarevič (Genoa CFC), Miha Mevlja (NK Gorica), Martin Milec (NK Aluminij), Rajko Rep (NK Celje), Haris Vučkič (Newcastle United FC).

Forwards: Leon Črnčič (NK Aluminij), Dejan Dimitrov (NK Triglav Kranj), Armend Sprečo (NK Maribor), Dejan Zadnikar (NK IB Ljubljana).

Prediction: Group Stage

Switzerland

The Swiss have a squad which has growing experience in their domestic Super League, but it is the start of the new season in that very league which has upset their preparations and therefore coach Claude Ryf. A number of players have joined the camp late and little time is available to ensure readiness for their competition opener. Ryf openly admits his is a team with few weaknesses but no major individual strengths, and that the development of each player into a difference maker is what will determine the Swiss chances in the Ukraine. Striker Orhan Mustafi is one who can be that difference, having broken into the Basel first team squad and an Under-21 international.

Goalkeepers: Oliver Klaus (FC Basel 1893), Christopher Meylan (FC Yverdon-Sports)

Defenders: François Affolter (BSC Young Boys), Fabio Daprelà (Grasshopper-Club), Rolf Feltscher (Grasshopper-Club), Raphael Koch (FC Solothurn), Philippe Koch (FC Zürich), Michael Lang (FC St. Gallen)

Midfielders: Amir Abrashi (FC Winterthur), Vullnet Basha (Grasshopper-Club), Bruce Lalombongo (Grasshopper-Club), Alexandre Pasche (BSC Young Boys), Daniel Unal (FC Basel 1893), Alain Wiss (FC Luzern), Sébastien Wüthrich (Neuchâtel Xamax FC)

Forwards: Admir Mehmedi (FC Zürich), Orhan Mustafi (FC Basel 1893), Marco Schönbächler (FC Zürich)

Prediction: Group Stage

Ukraine

It’s the turn of the Ukraine to bear the pressure of the host nation, something which may be beneficial to young talents harbouring hopes of a senior national team squad place in three years when they co-host Euro 2012. Coach Yuri Kalitvinsev is looking for his young charges to make the Semi-Finals and they have a good chance, backed by captain Kyrylo Petrov and leading goalscorer Dmytro Korkishko. The core of the squad comes from Dynamo Kyiv (particularly), Shakhtar Donetsk and Dnipro, which means most of the squad will be familiar with others and will help build understanding and spirit.

Squad Currently Unavailable

Prediction: Semi-Finalists

Group B

France
Regularly found at youth tournaments, France won this competition in 2005, but they were blessed with a generation including title-winning Bordeaux duo Yoann Gourcuff and Yoan Gouffran. The 2009 crop aren’t as well-known as they might be – Mamadou Sakho aside – but they feel they have a chance, with a typically French blend of athleticism and skill. Likely captain Sakho embodies this more than most, but Ryad Boudebouz and Emmanuel Riviere are also amongst those who can impress. Damien Le Tallec was part of a poor French Under-17 campaign two years ago with this squad but coach Jean Gallice is confident he has his best players available.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Abdoulaye Keita (FC Girondins de Bordeaux), Rémi Pillot (AS Nancy-Lorraine).

Defenders: Sébastien Corchia (Le Mans UC 72), Abdel El Kaoutari (Montpellier Hérault SC), Tripy Makonda (Paris Saint-Germain FC), Alfred N’Diaye (AS Nancy-Lorraine), Mickaël Nelson (Montpellier Hérault SC) Mathieu Peybernes (FC Sochaux-Montbéliard), Mamadou Sakho (Paris Saint-Germain FC).

Midfielders: Ryad Boudebouz (FC Sochaux-Montbéliard), Yacine Brahimi (Stade Rennais FC), Frédéric Bulot (AS Monaco FC), Josua Guilavogui (AS Saint-Etienne), Yann M’Vila (Stade Rennais FC), Maxime Partouche (Paris Saint-Germain FC).

Forwards: Magaye Gueye (RC Strasbourg), Damien Le Tallec (Stade Rennais FC), Emmanuel Rivière (AS Saint-Etienne).

Prediction: Group Stage

Serbia

Serbia have had quite a run in youth football recently, regularly making the final stages of youth tournaments, and not only are they very much a threat to be reckoned with, but in Danijel Aleksic they have a goalscorer who can shoot them to the title. Despite being deprived of five key players, Aleksic – who has been on the wanted list of Europe’s elite since finishing top goalscorer in the 2007 Under-17s – means Serbia’s chances are still remarkably strong. Lokomotiv Moscow stopped Milan Milanovic is impressive, whilst Manchester United-bound Adem Ljajic will be one of the most keenly observed.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nikola Matek (OFK Beograd), Aleksandar Kirovski (FK Zemun).

Defenders: Gojko Ivković (FC Viking Stavanger), Miloš Cvetković (FK Zemun), Milan Milanović (FC Lokotomiv Moskva), Aleksandar Miljković (FK Teleoptik), Filip Pjević (OFK Beograd), Dejan Blagojević (FK Zemun), Nemanja Crnoglavac (FK Zemun).

Midfielders: Adem Ljajić (FK Partizan), Filip Djuričić (FC Herenveen), Mihajlo Cakić (FK Zemun), Uroš Matić (MFK Košice), Milan Pršo (FK Rad), Slobodan Medojević (FK Vojvodina).

Forwards: Danijel Aleksić (FK Vojvodina), Nemanja Milić (OFK Beograd), Milan Bubalo (FK Indjija).

Prediction: Winners

Spain

Spain are probably favourites for any international tournament they enter these days, for they are everybody’s team du jour. However, theirs is a squad in this tournament which arguably deserves that tag. The core of it so impressively won the 2007 Under-17 title and whilst Bojan Krkic has graduated further and captain Ignacio Camacho has pulled out injured, they are still able to call on David De Gea, Fran Merida, Thiago Alcantara and Pulido amongst many, many talented players. Merida and Murcia forward Dani Aquino provided most of the goals during qualifying and whilst Merida is suspended for the first game, they will be central to the Spanish chances of adding another trophy to their shimmering youth cabinet.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Club Atlético de Madrid), Diego Mariño (Villarreal CF).

Defenders: Pulido (Club Atlético de Madrid), Marc Bartra (FC Barcelona), David Rochela (RC Deportivo La Coruña), Nacho (Real Madrid CF), Marcos Alonso Mendoza (Real Madrid CF), Sergio Canales (Real Racing Club), Alberto Morgado (Real Sociedad de Fútbol), Mario Gaspar Pérez (Villarreal CF).

Midfielders: Francisco Mérida (Arsenal FC), Ramiro Mayor (Zaragoza), Oriol Romeu (FC Barcelona), Thiago Alcántara (FC Barcelona), José Luis Mato (RC Celta de Vigo), Óscar Sielva (RCD Espanyol), Iago Falque (Juventus), Javier Ros (Real Sociedad de Fútbol), Jordi (Villarreal CF).

Forwards: Carlos Monje (RC Deportivo La Coruña), Raúl Ruiz Matarín (Hércules CF), Daniel Aquino (Real Murcia CF).

Prediction: Runners-Up

Turkey

Led by former international defender Ogun Temizkanoglu, Turkey have strong hopes of a Semi Final berth, and even senior coach Fatih Terim is taking a keen interest. There is an air of confidence about the camp, which is well justified, with a strong youth record and Bursasport’s Sercan Yıldırım, who scored 11 goals in the Turkish top flight last season. There is a strong Galatasaray presence, but they will have to perform at their best in every game in what is an undeniably tough group.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Metin Uçar (Gençlerbirliği SK), Emirhan Ergün (Galatasaray SK), Bayram Olgun (MKE Ankaragücü).

Defenders: Özgür Çek (Ankaraspor AŞ), Fatih Serkan Kurtuluş (Galatasaray SK), Murat Akça (Galatasaray SK), Çetin Güngör (Galatasaray SK), Sinan Osmanoğlu (Galatasaray SK), Serdar Aziz (Bursaspor), Rıdvan Şimşek (Beşiktaş JK).

Midfielders: Furkan Özçal (Kayserispor), Soner Aydoğdu (Gençlerbirliği SK), Eren Albayrak (Bursaspor), Umut Sözen (Ankaraspor AŞ), Necip Uysal (Beşiktas JK), Uğur Parlak (Dardanelspor SK).

Forwards: Sercan Yıldırım (Bursaspor), Tunay Torun (Hamburger SV), Onur Ayık (Werder Bremen).

TV Coverage

Eurosport will, as ever, be covering this tournament live. The following matches are live:

All times Local (CET+1)

July 21st – Ukraine vs Slovenia – 19.00
July 21st – Turkey vs Spain – 20.30
July 24th – Serbia vs Spain – 18.30
July 24th – Ukraine vs England – 19.30
July 27th – Spain vs France – 17.00
July 27th – Switzerland vs Ukraine – 19.00
July 30th – Semi Final 1 – TBC
July 30th – Semi Final 2 – TBC
Aug 2nd – Final – 16.30

You can keep up to date with the tournament right here at footballprospects, as well as at UEFA.com.

For the purposes of this article, those who are fringe players or already making some impact on a team are largely ignored, whilst we attempt to look at those who can reach that stage now. They’re fairly unlikely to become even part-time performers unless miracles occur, but in bringing you the best of the next generation, this is the aim of the concept.

Taking this in alphabetical order, and we’ll start with Arsenal. With a supposed riches of young talent, there are many potential names to make the step up. Under-18 captain Jay-Emmanuel Thomas had a fine season last year and lifted the league and cup double, and possesses the physical size and versatility to make him a potential squad player if needed. With uncertainty alongside new signing Thomas Vermaelen at centre-back – Kolo Toure and William Gallas have both been linked with moves away – Kyle Bartley could have a chance to impress in the Carling Cup. The same applies to clinical striker Rhys Murphy. With Emmanuel Adebayor’s future uncertain and Eduardo’s injuries, Murphy could be given a chance, and we only have to look at Federico Macheda for Manchester United last season to see how a single goal from a youngster can turbo-charge a career. Murphy knows where the goal is and can score at any level.

At Aston Villa, a thin squad in need of signings can be bolstered by an influx of youth. Barry Bannan impressed on loan at Derby last season and despite his diminutive stature can provide a creative spark in the centre of the park. Further back, defenders Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker will be looking at Martin Laursen’s retirement with positive intentions, attempting to stake a claim for a spot in the centre-back rotation under Martin O’Neill. Across town at Birmingham City, a summer transfer splurge with the intention of avoiding relegation will make it harder for youngsters to get through, but in Krystian Pearce they have a hulking centre-back with emerging talent. Midfield prodigy Jordon Mutch will be returning from a year’s rest due to muscle growth issues, and St Kitt’s international striker Aaron Moses-Garvey is a strong, explosive bundle of attacking talent.

Blackburn Rovers have a thin squad which Sam Allardyce is working hard to bolster, but rarely in the more recent years have youngsters come through at Ewood Park. Aaron Doran did so last season, and looking to follow in his steps will be the likes of Andy Haworth, Gavin Gunning and Nick Blackman. Bolton Wanderers are somewhat the same, although they do have highly-rated England youth striker Tope Obadeyi on the verge of breaking into the forward ranks. Reserve captain Sam Sheridan will have a chance, whilst highly-rated Hungarian goalkeeper Adam Bogdan should serve as Jussi Jaaskelainen’s backup for at least part of the season.

Burnley’s first foray into the Premier League is highly unlikely to see a major influx of youth, but midfielder Adam Kay and forward Wes Fletcher come highly rated. At the other end of the league table (at least in theory), Chelsea have spent much money on their academy and yet rarely take the opportunity to blood some of their talents. Miroslav Stoch managed it for part of last season, whilst Jacob Mellis is pushing hard. Dutch defender Jeffrey Bruma could seize a chance if Ricardo Carvalho departs, and French wizard Gael Kakuta will be working hard as he recovers from a broken ankle.

Everton have a long-standing record of youth production and continued that somewhat last season as Jose Baxter’s name reached more attentions. Seamus Coleman has signed from Sligo Rovers, and Luke Garbutt has come from Leeds. Garbutt may only be just 16 but he’s quite a talent, expect him to progress quite quickly. James Wallace has been useful for the club’s reserve team and could get his opportunity as well. Back down in London, where Roy Hodgson is looking to expand his Fulham squad ahead of their Europa League campaign. Chris Smalling is an outstanding prospect at centre-back, and Karim Laribi is a strong-willed full-back capable of filling in across many positions. Matthew Saunders, an accomplished holding midfielder, will be hoping to take his tidy game to the next level.

Hull City are another team unlikely to find the opportunity to use youngsters, but Steve Gardner, Ryan Kendall and particularly Liam Cooper are doing well lower down the system with the Tigers. Liverpool continue to operate something of a scattergun approach to youth development, with over 60 professionals on their books, but it is two local lads who are knocking loudest on Rafa Benitez’s door. Reserve team captain Jay Spearing and defender Stephen Darby are in a position where they need more football. Martin Kelly, a tall and powerful defender, may yet replace Sami Hyypia as the team’s fourth-choice centre-back.

Manchester City continue to spend as if there is no recession, which is disappointing for their talented and productive academy. Daniel Sturridge upped sticks and left this summer, so taking over his mantle in trying to crack the multi-millionaire team are Vladimir Weiss, Ben Mee and even perhaps Jeremy Helán, a highly-touted left-back who was regularly linked with Manchester United. Over on the other side of the city, where manager Sir Alex Ferguson often gives his boys their chance (and has said his summer spending is done), newly-capped Northern Irish international Corry Evans is set to follow brother Jonny into the first team squad. Matthew James has been very impressive in midfield and signed pro terms last week, and then there’s attacking-minded midfielder Daniel Drinkwater, who will look to continue his fine progress. As team-mate Macheda showed last season, that chance is there to take at Old Trafford.

It remains to be seen what happens at Portsmouth, where a takeover is still awaiting confirmation, but the squad is in dire need of freshening up. French youngsters Gauthier Mahoto and Gael N’Lundulu star for the lower level Pompey teams, and Marc Wilson and Asmir Begovic have begun to make tiny ripples in the first team pool.Stoke City will be just fine continuing along their merry way as they did last season, but Nathaniel Wedderburn has the physical attributes to fit into their squad. Ryan Shotton is well thought of, and superbly-named goalkeeper Danzelle St. Louis-Hamilton, whilst being a way off yet, has potential.

Sunderland have started to impress in the FA Youth Cup in the last couple of years, and have Irish youngster Conor Hourihane looking useful. Jack Colback is a tenacious and hard-working midfielder, and goalkeeper Trevor Carson was outstanding in the Reserve League last season. Tottenham Hotspur were even more impressive in the Academy League, and have chosen to opt out of the Reserves this year to go about youth development in their own way. Ryan Mason topped 20 goals from midfield last season, Andros Townsend has all the attributes of a talented winger, and Dorian Dervite, some years after his potential first came to light, could now be ready to make an impression.

Gianfranco Zola has continued West Ham United’s policy of playing prospects, turning Junior Stanislas and James Tomkins into near-regulars last season. Next on the list at the Upton Park production line are Josh Payne, Jordan Spence, and Zavon Hines, with Kyel Reid looking to make a name for himself. Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic inherits a youth setup without much history of production in their Premier League years, but might want to look at Callum McManaman, Nick Meace, and Tomasz Kupisz. And finally, newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers have a proliferation of burgeoning talent, and despite a busy squad looking for consolidation, Kyle Bennett, Scott Malone, and Jamie Reckford will dream of playing top-flight football.

So there we have it. It’s all good fun predicting, and the football season is usually unpredictable, but here’s hoping at least one of these comes right by May!

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England were the first team to confirm their squad and have since been joined by France, Slovenia and Spain in the last seven days.

The French party will be unfamiliar in the most part to many, with lots of names who are yet to really make their mark. The star power is found in Mamadou Sakho and Damien Le Tallec, whilst Ryan Boudebouz and Yann M’Vila will be keen to impress. Slovenia are making their debut at a UEFA youth finals, and will be relying on the highly rated duo of Haris Vuckic and Inter’s Vid Belec to cause some upsets.

The Spanish were highly disappointing in the Czech Republic two years ago but return now with a generation which won the Under-17 crown the same year and are now beginning to make their mark on football at the top leve. David De Gea, David Rochela, Fran Mérida, Thiago Alcántara and Iago Falque will be influential figures, but the most influential of all will miss out. Captain Ignacio Camacho has had to withdrawn due to knee surgery and will be a massive loss.

Over the next seven days expect the final squads for the Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey and Switzerland to be confirmed, and in the week before the tournament a full preview will be on footballprospects.

James has been in superb form for much of 2009, and earned a first-team call-up for the last game of the league season at Hull, being an unused substitute. He has regularly featured for England’s Under-19 team and will be a crucial part of their squad for the European Championships in three weeks.

He agreed a two-year deal and was joined in the signing of pro terms by team-mates Scott Wootton and Oliver Gill. For all matters on Man Utd’s academy, read the always great United Youth.

Primarily for this site, multiple members of the Top 50 are included. Jason Steele, Ben Amos, Kieran Trippier, Nathan Baker, Matthew James, Henri Lansbury, Daniel Welbeck, Nathan Delfouneso and Dean Parrett are all on the plane to the Ukraine, and five of them can expect a starting place, as we take a look at the potential team the Three Lions could send out to face Ukraine, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Amos or Steele will start in goal, and whilst both are highly rated, Steele has the inside track as long-time England youth guardian as well as occasional captain. His experience will be vital and he could take the armband for the team. The back four should see Arsenal’s Gavin Hoyte feature alongside Liverpool’s Martin Kelly, with Kyle Walker and Joe Mattock at full-back. Baker’s ability to play in most defensive roles should allow him to be the spare utility squad defender.

Lansbury is almost a given in midfield and is the likely captain of the team, and main creative outlet. He should be part of a three-man midfield, most likely joined by James and Dan Gosling, although Dean Parrett will have every chance in games where more tenacity is needed. A three-man midfield is considered the most sensible route because of the attacking depth England have selected.

Nile Ranger and Delfouneso were key in the Elite Round of qualifying and should both expect to start, whilst the final place in attack will go down to Victor Moses versus Daniel Welbeck. Welbeck has missed England duty recently because of injury but when healthy is this squad’s best player and could be the difference maker at the business end of the tournament. In reserve, Danny Rose will play in his second international competition of the summer, having finished runner-up in the European Under-21 Championships.

England Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jason Steele (Middlesbrough), Ben Amos (Manchester United)

Defenders: Kyle Walker (Sheffield United), Kieran Tripper (Manchester City), Martin Kelly (Liverpool), Nathan Baker (Aston Villa), Joe Mattock (Leicester City), Gavin Hoyte (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Matthew James (Manchester United), Daniel Drinkwater (Manchester United), Henri Lansbury (Arsenal), Dan Gosling (Everton), Dean Parrett (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards: Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United), Nile Ranger (Newcastle United), Victor Moses (Crystal Palace), Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Daniel Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)

A full tournament preview will come in the week before the competition kicks off on July 21st, and coverage will continue throughout.