Italy and England claim final berths

The lineup for the 2007/08 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament is complete after England and Italy claimed the last two places in the Czech Republic as the Elite round concluded.

Point required
Both England and Italy needed just a point from their final fixtures, against Belarus and France respectively, to clinch first position in Groups 1 and 6 respectively. England drew 0-0 against mini-tournament hosts Belarus, while Andrea Mazzarani scored both goals as Italy, the 2003 winners, defeated France 2-0 to deny their rivals a place in the finals.

New names, old favourites
The Elite round kicked off at the end of April and Bulgaria were the first team to book their berth alongside the hosts in July's finals as they won Group 3 in Norway to qualify for the first time. Another final debutant, Hungary, joined them as they triumphed in Group 2, although the identity of the next two qualifiers was more familiar with Spain, champions in 2002, 2004, 2006 and in Austria last summer, winning Group 7 and 2007 semi-finalists Germany triumphing in Group 4. The side who eliminated Germany from last season's competition, Greece, then recovered from a losing start to win Group 5, leaving England and Italy to clinch the two remaining places in Sunday's draw in Prague.