With the tournament set to kick off in Italy on Sunday, Goal runs through all of the young stars set to shine over the course of the next two weeks
GettyMoise Kean (Italy)
Believe the hype: Moise Kean is the real deal, the talented young striker Italy has long needed, both from a sporting and cultural perspective.
That's a lot of pressure to place on a 19-year-old's shoulders but Kean, the Vercelli-born son of Ivorian parents, has already proven himself ready, willing and able to overcome every obstacle placed in front of him.
Just like his childhood hero Mario Balotelli, he has been forced to endure horrendous racial abuse, but the Juventus forward, who has already scored twice for the senior Italy squad, has responded in the best way possible: with inspirational defiance.
Indeed, his silent celebration in front of the imbeciles who had been insulting him during a league game at Cagliari in March was the most profound image of the Serie A season and the hope now is that a striker who netted in six consecutive games for club and country earlier this year will score the goals that will unite an entire country this summer.
AdvertisementGettyMoussa Dembele (France)
Manchester United may have mixed emotions about Moussa Dembele shining at the European Under-21 Championship.
On the one hand, a stellar showing would vindicate their attempts to sign the France forward. On the other, it could drive up the asking price for a player that United have already tried – and failed – to persuade Lyon to part with for €40m.
Dembele certainly looks poised for a big tournament. He caught fire during the second half of last season, ending his campaign with 20 goals in all competitions, and should be provided with plenty of chances in an attack also likely to feature Jonathan Ikone and Jonathan Bamba.
GettyPhil Foden (England)
Just 19 years of age and already a two-time Premier League winner, Phil Foden is one of the most exciting prospects England has produced in years.
What's more, while the versatile midfielder may have only played a bit-part role in Manchester City's 2017-18 title triumph, he was an important member of the squad that saw off Liverpool's incredible challenge last season, even netting a crucial goal against Tottenham during the run-in.
Pep Guardiola cannot say enough good things about a player nicknamed 'The Stockport Iniesta' and having already helped England win the Under-17 World Cup two years ago, few would bet against him lifting more silverware in Italy this summer.
GettyJoachim Andersen (Denmark)
With Marco Giampaolo taking over at AC Milan, it would be hugely surprising if he does not attempt to bring Joachim Andersen with him from Sampdoria.
Following his arrival from FC Twente in 2017, the defender was expertly managed by the respected coach, who only introduced the Dane into his first team in February of last year.
Since then, Andersen has flourished, establishing himself as one of the best ball-playing centre-halves in Serie A after becoming a regular fixture at the back during the 2018-19 campaign.
Now, he will be one of the most scouted players at the Euro Under-21s, with Arsenal also keen on the versatile 23-year-old stopper, who is so good on the ball he can also serve as a defensive midfielder.
