European youngsters set to impress at Under-21 Championships

While most eyes may be on the Confederations Cup in South Africa, another important tournament is about to start in Sweden this Monday as eight European times battle for this year’s Under-21 crown.

The Netherlands, who won the latest two editions of this tournament, failed to qualify for the 2009 edition. As such, the trophy will certainly change owners.

Bookmakers predict that Spain have the best chance of victory in Sweden, closely followed by England Italy. Germany are considered no more than outsiders.

Serbia and hosts Sweden will need to give it their all if they want to trouble the favorites, say bookmakers, while Belarus and Finland aren’t even taken into consideration for a possible final victory.

The tournaments starts with a Group B game between England and Finland in Halmstad, followed by the clash between Spain and Germany in Gothenburg.

The group stage ends on June 23rd. The semi finals are to be played three days later, with the final scheduled for June 29th.