Greg Lea picks out 10 young players looking to shine at Euro 2016 in France.
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ANTHONY MARTIAL, FRANCE
France won Euro 1984 and World Cup 1998 on home soil and are looking to make it three in a row this summer. Manchester United's Anthony Martial could be key to their chances of success, with the 20-year-old striker coming off the back of a highly promising first season in the Premier League. Likely to start wide on the left, Martial will look to cut inside onto his favoured right foot and drive into the penalty area.
RENATO SANCHES, PORTUGAL
The Bayern Munich new boy plays with a maturity and assuredness beyond his teenage years, with Sanches's self-belief on the pitch clear for all to see. Dynamic, powerful and technically adept, the 18-year-old Portuguese is a true box-to-box midfielder who is at his best when driving forward with the ball at his feet. He also possesses a powerful shot from distance and is never afraid to put a foot in.
JASON DENAYER, BELGIUM
Vincent Kompany's injury prompted many to predict Belgium would deploy Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in the heart of the backline, but manager Marc Wilmots has since confirmed that the Tottenham Hotspur duo will remain at full-back and Denayer will come into the side at centre-half. Calm and composed in possession, the 20-year-old defender is a player worth keeping an eye on in France.
SAUL NIGUEZ, SPAIN
The fact that Saul Niguez started Atletico Madrid's Uefa Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich on the right flank and ended it in holding midfield says everything about his talent, versatility and footballing intelligence. While the 21-year-old Spaniard might not start for holders Spain this summer, he is a fantastic player to have in reserve.
ARKADIUSZ MILIK, POLAND
Robert Lewandowski is clearly Poland's main man, but opponents will have to be wary of the threat posed by Arkadiusz Milik if they focus all of their attention on stopping the Bayern Munich striker and leave too much space for his partner. Milik, 22, scored 21 goals in 31 league appearances for Ajax last season, while a healthy return of seven assists shows he can create as well as a convert.
LEROY SANE, GERMANY
Germany's abundance of attacking riches is the envy of the rest of the continent, with Joachim Low having the luxury of being able to leave such talented players as Leroy Sane on the bench. The 20-year-old Schalke winger could be an excellent impact player for the world champions, though, with his pace and trickery liable to cause problems for even the most assured of defenders.
ELSEID HYSAJ, ALBANIA
Napoli's Elseid Hysaj was one of the best right-backs in Serie A in 2015/16, and the 22-year-old defender will now be aiming to replicate his club form at international level. Albania will have to keep things tight in Group A if they are to have any chance of progressing, with the speedy Hysaj having a key role to play on the right-hand side of the defence.
BREEL EMBOLO, SWITZERLAND
Cameroon-born Breel Embolo made his competitive international debut less than a year ago, but the 19-year-old Basle forward has already established himself as an important cog in the Switzerland machine. Full of pace and power, Embolo has an impressive scoring record for his age and will be attracting the attention of many a scout in his first tournament.
HAKAN CALHANOGLU, TURKEY
Free-kick specialist Hakan Calhanoglu, 22, who is expected to start on the right of midfield for Fatih Terim's Turkey, is an extremely exciting talent. Technical, imaginative and a wonderfully clean striker of the ball, Calhanoglu scored twice and registered four assists in six Uefa Champions League outings last season, demonstrating an end product to go with his flashy contributions in the build-up.
DELE ALLI, ENGLAND
The optimism around England is based largely on the emergence of youngsters such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli, who formed such an effective partnership at Tottenham Hotspur in the 2015/16 campaign. The former MK Dons midfielder can play as a No 10 or in a deeper role, with his touch, footwork and vision helping him to win many admirers last term.
