Out but not down

By Paul Saffer in Tirrenia

As Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and Croatia contemplate UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals on Wednesday and another week in Tuscany, so the four nations eliminated in the group stage must pack their bags.

Strong contribution
However, England, Switzerland, Belarus and Israel all made a strong contribution to the competition, and at least two of that number could quite easily have lifted the trophy on Saturday. England, in particular, were heavily tipped before the tournament, and their opening 4-0 victory against Belarus suggested a strong challenge. But Turkey triumphed 3-2 and on Sunday, England were out after Italy finally hit form in a 1-0 win.

Strong attack
Still, attackers Joe Garner and Hogan Ephraim, as well as 16-year-olds James Vaughan and Theo Walcott clearly have the potential to rise high, while Mark Davies was a strong presence in midfield. Coach John Peacock believes the campaign has taught his team many things.

Finals pressure
"We've taken in an immense amount," he said. "It is a team with a lot of talent, we promised so much at the beginning and during the season, but you have to deal with the finals in terms of the pressure outside and on the pitch."

Kisly talent
The side below them in Group A, Belarus, were surprise finalists but acquitted themselves well, notably in the 1-0 win against the hosts that sandwiched heavy losses to England and Turkey. Siarhei Kisly, who struck against Italy, is surely on course for senior caps if his improvement continues, while winger Dzmitry Rekish proved a real handful.

High potential
Coach Piotr Mikheyeu said: "It was the first time we have taken part in a tournament like this and it was obviously a great experience. We understand we still have a lot of work to do both from the technical and physical points of view. However, I still think many players in this team are very good and I'm sure some of them will play in the national senior team in the future."

Swiss exit
Like England, Switzerland topped their group after both Matchdays 1 and 2, only to falter in their decider. Their exit was certainly dramatic, as at one stage they led Croatia 1-0 and had a provisional five-point cushion over the Netherlands, only to concede three late goals in a 5-2 defeat and see the Dutch come from behind to beat Israel.

'Learnt a lot'
Until the second half against Croatia, central defenders Davide Rezepi and Samuel Haas and goalkeeper Yann Sommer had not shipped a goal, while midfielder Ivan Rakitic and forward Beqim Halimi are also names to watch. Coach Yves Débonnaire said: "I think the last two years have been very good for this group of players and I'm sure they have learnt a lot from this tournament."

Bar Buzaglo skill
Israel may have been the only side not to win a game in Italy, but gave all their Group B opponents tough tests - leading Croatia twice and scoring first against the Dutch. Maor Bar Buzaglo is maybe as skilful a forward as any at these finals, and with a strong foil would be an immense danger. Tommar Snappir is a mature midfield player and came forward versus the Netherlands to score.

Experience gained
Like the Swiss, Israel are reaping the rewards for investment at youth level and coach Avraham Bahar said: "We have gained a lot of international experience, as well as knowledge of the level and type of football other European countries play. Once you have technique and pace, it is not a problem to make tactical alterations."