Your guide to U19 Euros 2017

Your guide to U19 Euros 2017 Jul 10, 2017 16:31:56 GMT Jep Gambardella likes this

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Post by staggerstag on Jul 10, 2017 16:31:56 GMT

Jul 10, 2017 15:32:45 GMT Jep Gambardella said:

Jul 9, 2017 19:24:59 GMT staggerstag said:

So after winning the U-20 World Cup England are now in the semi-finals of the U-19 Euros? England fans, better start thinking of booking your tickets for Qatar 2022!

Yes, a comment that may well come to fruition in a few years! I always think it's worth keeping an eye on these U19-U23 comps, whatever country your eyes are on, because you see young, promising talent on display. Players who may not have fully broken into their respective domestic clubs but who show potential and are given the chance to perform in tourneys where people are watching. We can bang on all day about Costa, Messi, Ronaldo, Kane, the list is endless... and folk tune into a game these days to see the big established names. But not many (including me) knew much about any of those aforementioned players before they rocketed into the big time. Most of us missed their early formative matches but now enjoy tuning into to marvel at the finished product. So that's why I don't quite understand when I hear some folk go on about these 'nothing' tournaments and teams made up of 'reserves' but I try to look at it from the player's perspective. It is an international platform. It is playing time. Sooner or later, usually sooner, you will spark someone's interest and get your career advanced.
One of the players who really excited me in 2016/17 EPL season was Everton's Tom Davies, not even 20 until next June. A really tenacious, quick-thinking player. He runs like a gazelle, always looking for an opening even when off the ball. He has been rested for the U19 Euros, but I really would have enjoyed seeing him in action. I'm hoping that Rooney's return to Everton doesn't have a detrimental impact on Davies' progress at the club.

But, yes, if Qatar does get to host the Finals in 2022 it'd be good to see a few of the U19/U20 players sweating out the games there! Whoever they play for!