Russia team guide

Dmitri Khomukha's team stormed through qualifying and will be hoping to improve on Russia's only previous finals appearance, when they finished bottom of their section in 2007. They certainly proved their potential on the road to Greece, winning all six games including notable successes against Belgium and Sweden, thanks in large part to ten goals and five assists from FC Zenit forward Ramil Sheydaev. Expectations are high back home as many of the current side steered Russia to the European Under-17 title in 2013. "We have experienced players who've played in a European Championship and a World Cup," said Khomukha. "We'll be in good condition when the tournament comes. As usual, we're planning to take it step by step."

Qualifying round: Faroe Islands 7-0, Northern Ireland 5-2, Czech Republic 3-0 (Group 5 winners)

Elite round: Belgium 1-0, Lithuania 6-0, Sweden 3-1 (Group 3 winners)

Key players: Anton Mitryushkin (goalkeeper, FC Spartak Moskva), Nikita Chernov (defender, PFC CSKA Moskva), Dzhamaldin Khodzhaniyazov (defender, FC Zenit), Ramil Sheydaev (striker, FC Zenit)

Coach: Dmitri Khomukha
Date of birth: 23/08/1969
A highly rated playmaker while at Zenit and PFC CSKA Moskva, the former Turkmenistani international began his coaching career with Russia's U17 team in 2010 and guided them to European glory in 2013.

Team facts

Qualifying top scorer
Ramil Sheydaev: 10

UEFA European Under-19 Championship best
Group stage: 2007

Honours in UEFA youth competitions
UEFA European Under-18 Championship
Winners: 1988, 1990 (as Soviet Union)
Runners-up: 1984 (as Soviet Union)

UEFA European Under-17 Championship
Winners: 2006, 2013

UEFA European Under-16 Championship
Winners: 1985 (as Soviet Union)
Runners-up: 1984, 1987 (as Soviet Union)

International Youth Tournament
Winners: 1966, 1967, 1976, 1978 (as Soviet Union)

Other honours
FIFA U-20 World Cup
Winners: 1977 (as Soviet Union)
Runner-up: 1979 (as Soviet Union)

FIFA U-17 World Cup
Winners: 1987 (as Soviet Union)