Sunday 2 July 2017 09:45, UK
England reached the semi-finals of the U21 Euros but there is no place for any of their players in UEFA's official team of the tournament.
Aidy Boothroyd's side familiarly lost out to Germany on penalties at the last-four stage in Poland and Stefan Kuntz's surprise winners dominate UEFA's selection with six men - including goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck ahead of England's Jordan Pickford - included.
Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez is one of three Spain players to make the cut, while a Slovakia defender is picked and Italy have a forward recognised. Here's who caught the eye of UEFA's "technical observers"...
Julian Pollersbeck (Germany): Everton's new £30m signing Pickford was roundly praised for his England displays but he has been pipped in goal by Germany's Pollersbeck, who - with the help of notes shoved into his socks - thwarted Tammy Abraham and Nathan Redmond to send England home.
Milan Skriniar (Slovakia): Slovakia came agonisingly close to a semi-final spot - their prime minister Robert Fico even wrote to UEFA questioning the group-stage victory for Italy over Germany that sent both sides through - but Sampdoria centre-back is at least rewarded here, with selectors noting his "controlled aggression".
Jeremy Toljan (Germany): The Hoffenheim full-back racked up a tournament-high three assists in Poland and caught the eye with his "jet-fuelled bursts down the right".
Niklas Stark (Germany): Hertha Berlin's Stark missed the semi-final win over England through injury but returned to the heart of defence against Spain to deliver another commanding performance.
Yannick Gerhardt (Germany): A German-dominated back-line also features the Wolfsburg man, who lined up at left-back rather than his usual midfield position and sees his adaptability acknowledged.
Max Arnold (Germany): Arnold mixed "lung-bursting industry with laser-precise distribution," said UEFA. Another Wolfsburg man, he notched a couple of assists to boot.
Dani Ceballos (Spain): The Betis midfielder started the group stage on the bench but went on to be named UEFA's player of the tournament, impressing with his eye for a pass and ability to elude opponents.
Max Mayer (Germany): The Schalke midfielder was often the spark for Kuntz's side, especially starring in wins over the Czech Republic and Denmark. He delivered a goal and an assist and Spurs scouts watched his displays, according to reports in the British media, with the Daily Star also crediting Liverpool with interest.
Saul Niguez (Spain): The Atletico man starred in Poland, notably hitting a hat-trick in the semi-final against Italy as he raced to win the Golden Boot prize. Barcelona and Manchester United had been linked with a big-money move for the 22-year-old but just hours after semi-final disappointment, he snuffed out transfer speculation by signing a bumper new contract to 2026.
Marco Asensio (Spain): Real Madrid's Asensio scored in the Champions League final to fire another reminder of his rise to prominence and the 21-year-old widely regarded as one of the hottest young talents in world football notably struck a hat-trick a a 5-0 win over Macedonia.
Federico Bernardeschi (Italy): The Fiorentina man struck twice in Italy's run to the last four, maintaining his eye for goal after a domestic campaign that saw him net 11 times.
