The Euro 2016 championships begin in France on Friday, and while all eyes will be on the big names, a number of extremely talented youngsters such as Kingsley Coman and Dele Alli will also be in the spotlight.
FRANCE 24 looks at the young players who show the greatest promise of their generation, from Englishman Dele Alli, who shines at Tottenham this year, to Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich and French winger Kingsley Coman.
© Adrian Dennis, AFPRenato Sanches, 19, is the pride of Portugal. The powerful midfielder had such an impressive first season with Benfica that Bayern Munich decided he was worth every penny of the €35 million they paid to get him on board.
-
© Ian Kington, AFP
Dele Alli made a name for himself in the Premier League this season. The 20-year-old Tottenham midfielder is recognised as an inspired technical player who will be a vital part of the England team.
© Franck Fiffe, AFP
French winger Kingsley Coman, who will celebrate his 20th birthday at the championship, made such an impression at Bayern Munich that France manager Didier Deschamps had no hesitation in including him in his squad.
© Emmanuel Dunand, AFP
Belgian defender Jason Denayer, 20, is one of the most promising European players in his position. Teammate Vincent Kompany will not play in the championship due to a thigh injury.
© Raigo Pajula, AFP
FC Basel striker Breel Embolo, 19, is one of the most promising Swiss players, having played a decisive role in his team’s three consecutive league titles.
© Ian Kington, AFP
Croatian Tin Jedvaj, 20, is one of the most efficient defenders in the German Bundesliga. The Bayer Leverkusen star will be an asset to his country’s team.
© Christof Stache, AFP
Joshua Kimmich, 21, has shone for Bayern Munich after being switched from midfield to central defence by Pep Guardiola. The young German has shown a composure and maturity that belies his youth.
© Jean-Christophe Verhaegen, AFP
At just 20 years old, Anthony Martial is a player who can cope with pressure. Playing for either his club Manchester United or for France, the striker sprints, dribbles and strikes with speed and ease.
© Janek Skarzynski, AFP
Poland can be grateful for star players like Robert Lewandowski, but also for younger stars like 22-year-old Arkadiusz Milik, the star striker at Ajax Amsterdam where he has racked up 32 goals in 52 games.
© Paul Ellis, AFP
Marcus Rashford, just 18 years old and with eight goals for Manchester United under his belt, is the youngest member of the England squad. 
