We kick-off our European Under-21 Championship preview with a handy guide to Group A.
The problem with most international football tournaments? They're simply too long. Take next year's World Cup in Brazil for example. Yes, the build-up will be tremendously exciting and there'll be some truly magic moments but at some point in the third week - probably during Uzbekistan v Honduras - you'll reach a point where the constant talk of Copacabana Beach, Clodoaldo and caxirolas becomes overwhelmingly tedious. Even Euro 2016 in France, having been expanded to include 24 teams, will last for a solid month and is sure to test the stamina of even the hardiest fans.
Less is more, which is why this summer's kickabouts are much more manageable in size. Later in June, we have the Confederations Cup, but first up it's the European Under-21 Championship. This is the eighth time that the tournament has been an eight-team affair, and the action takes place in the south-east corner of UEFA territory, in Israel. Here's our handy guide to the eight competing nations:
GROUP A
ENGLAND
History: Back-to-back winners in 1982 and 1984, the closest England have come since was at Sweden 2009 where they were thumped 4-0 by Germany in the final.
Qualifying and Form: England topped Group 8 by five points, beating Norway (who they face again on June 8) home and away before seeing off Serbia in a play-off tie which ended in deplorable scenes. The Young Lions are in fantastic form - nine wins in a row, 22 goals scored, none conceded.
Coach and Style: Stuart Pearce is in charge for the fourth U21 finals in a row. After taking criticism for a disappointing group-stage exit at Denmark 2011 in which his side defended stoutly but struggled in midfield, he'll be determined to do better - and can call upon his former England team-mate Phil Neville for assistance. Again deprived of several eligible players due to injuries or senior call-ups, Pearce can however call upon five European champions - messrs Butland, Wisdom, Chalobah, McEachran and Wickham were part of the successful Under-17 squad at the 2010 tournament in Liechtenstein.
Star Player: Wilfried Zaha was named the PFA's Championship Player of the Year and is now looking to crack on at Manchester United, having led defenders a merry dance throughout a season in which he helped ensure Crystal Palace would join him in the 2013/14 Premier League. His flair and trickery can unlock defences, and Pearce will be hoping he's fit for the opener against old foes Italy in particular.
One To Watch: Nathan Redmond was the last player called up to the squad after the shock exit of Andros Townsend, and the livewire winger might well get a chance to impress early on due to suspensions. He ended the season in effervescent form with Birmingham and could make an impact in Israel.
Possible line-up: Butland; Clyne, Caulker, Dawson, Rose; Henderson, Chalobah; Ince, Shelvey, Zaha; Wickham. (Note: Rose and Ince banned for opening game v Italy.)
ISRAEL
History: Although they qualified automatically as hosts for this tournament, this is not the first time that the Israeli U21 side has participated in a Euro finals. They made it to Holland 2007, where despite losing heavily to Portugal, they then acquitted themselves well in narrow losses to Belgium and the Dutch. They were strong contenders to reach the 2009 and 2011 finals too, but just missed out on both occasions.
