Spain

Spain have won six of the 11 editions of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and head for Lithuania on a mission to keep the trophy for a third year in succession. Boasting menacing potential in the form of Villarreal CF's Moi Gómez, Fede Vico of RSC Anderlecht and Real Madrid CF's youngest UEFA Champions League debutant José Rodríguez, the holders' brand of high-tempo, quick-passing football remains as powerful as ever, though their path to the final tournament was not as easy as it might have seemed. After a 1-0 win against Group 4 hosts Poland, it took two added-time goals to beat Greece 2-0, and Spain were within 13 minutes of elimination before Moi Gómez scored to make it 1-1 against Croatia.

Coach Luis de la Fuente has confidence in his players regardless, ever mindful that the U19 team is a crucial element in Spain's production line of talent. "Something like 90% of the players currently playing with the senior Spain side started out in these youth categories," he said. "These players have great technical ability and like to move the ball around while keeping possession. We have been looking to maintain the same intensity in all our games."

Qualifying round: Bye

Elite round: Poland 1-0, Greece 2-0, Croatia 1-1 (Group 4 winners)

Key players: José Rodríguez (midfielder, Real Madrid CF), Álvaro Vadillo (winger, Real Betis Balompié), Fede Vico (midfielder, RSC Anderlecht), Moi Gómez (midfielder, Villarreal CF)

Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Date of birth: 21/06/61
Nationality: Spanish
Playing career: Athletic Club (twice), Sevilla FC, Deportivo Alavés
Coaching career: Bilbao Athletic, Sevilla FC (youth teams), Deportivo Alavés, Spain U19

Having come through the Bilbao club's Lezema youth academy, De la Fuente was part of Javier Clemente's notable Athletic side that won the 1982/83 Spanish Liga and followed it up with a domestic double in 1983/84 and a Spanish Super Cup the following season. The defender then scored four goals in 86 top-flight games for Sevilla (1987–91), finishing his career at Alavés following a short return to Athletic. He has rejoined all three of those clubs in some coaching capacity, taking charge of Athletic's reserves, helping Sevilla's youth teams and briefly assuming sole command at Alavés in 2011, before beginning his current post in May 2013.

Team facts

Qualifying top scorer
2: Fede Vico

UEFA European Under-19 Championship best
Winners 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012
Runners-up 2010

Honours in UEFA youth competitions
UEFA European Under-18 Championship
Winners 1995
Runners-up 1996

UEFA European Under-17 Championship
Winners 2007, 2008
Runners-up 2003, 2004, 2010

UEFA European Under-16 Championship
Winners 1986, 1988, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2001
Runners-up 1992, 1995

International Youth Tournament (U18)
Winners 1952, 1954
Runners-up 1964

Other honours
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Winners 1999
Runners-up 1985, 2003

FIFA U-17 World Cup
Runners-up 1991, 2003, 2007