The finals are not just being played for the European juniors’ crown, however. The best four teams also qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in China. That’s why there could be a slight problem in the Netherlands: should England make the semi-finals, a play-off match will be played between the two third-placed teams of Groups A and B on June 21. The English traditionally relinquish the right to compete in the Olympics. At both Summer and Winter Games, Great Britain participates as a combined team from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A further difference is that the Netherlands, as the title holders, are also hosting the finals, so distinguishing between the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and the “big” UEFA European Football Championship™, in which the host countries automatically qualify. At UEFA U-21 tournaments, UEFA decide on the host country only when all participants are known. It is the third time since 2000 that a major international football event is being organised by the Netherlands. In 2000 the Dutch hosted the UEFA European Football Championship™ together with Belgium. In 2005, the FIFA U20 World Cup was held there also. All three events have something in common -- they all started on June 10