European U21 Championship Group A guide: hosts are better in attack than defence

Italy

The hosts have picked a strong squad packed full of talent such as Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Zanilo, Nicolo Barella, Federico Chiesa and Moise Kean. Forget the stereotype - Italy are better going forward than they are defensively, which will be a concern for their backers.

Manager: Luigi Di Biagio
Key player: Federico Chiesa

Spain

Not for the first time Spain's midfield is packed full of technical talents with Fabian Ruiz, Dani Ceballos, Carlos Soler and Pablo Fornals among the travelling party. However, there will be a major emphasis on Borja Mayoral to provide the goals.

Manager: Luis de la Fuente
Key player: Mikel Oyarzabal

Poland

Poland caused a huge surprise in qualifying, losing the home leg of their playoff 1-0 to Portugal before a remarkable 3-1 success in Chaves that turned the tie on its head. They will need to produce further miracles to go close to being crowned champions.

Manager: Czeslaw Michniewicz
Key player: Dawid Kownacki

Belgium

This crop probably won't make as much of an impression as their golden generation and getting out of this group looks difficult. But in Watford's Dodi Lukebakio and Club Brugge's Siebe Schrijvers they possess a decent goal threat.

Manager: Johan Walem
Key player: Dodi Lukebakio

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