The European Championship is a tournament that showcases the best in European football, most of whom are among the best in the world.
It is also in such tournaments that future stars are made, young players whose names will be on fans lips for the next couple of years.
Here are some of them.
Kingsley Coman
When he was named in the French 23 man squad for the European Championship tournament, he was still 19. He has had an amazing career already, having started at PSG, moving to Juventus, before Bayern Munich came calling.
He remains to be one of the most promising talents in European football.
Eyes will be on him as the years progress, and hopefully, he might become one of the best ever French players.
Breel Embolo
The Swiss attacker is surely one to watch for in the near future. At 19, he was preferred to lead the line against France, ahead of Haris Seferovic, in such a high profile match.
His physical prowess and pace are an added advantage and his storyline is just getting better having completed a move to Schalke 04 from FC Basel.
Marcus Rashford
He is surely one of the most exciting players to watch out for.
The English forward has scored in his European competition debut for Manchester United, his Premier League debut against Arsenal, scored in the Manchester derby, and also scored in his international debut.
In addition, he is the youngest player to represent England in the European Championship. He is still 18 years old.
Renato Sanches
The Portuguese midfielder is another star in the making. His price tag hints at future greatness, as Bayern Munich had to cough up not less than 35 million euros to sign him from Benfica.
He also broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of the youngest player to be selected for an international competition by Portugal.
His versatility in midfield, passing ability and strength are worth noting, and he surely is one to watch out for.
Tin Jedvaj
The Croatian defender is another star in the making.
At 20 years, he is yet to cement his place in the Croatian central defence, but his defensive display against Spain in their final European Championship group match was impressive, and therefore could become a starter sooner rather than later.
He plays his club football in Germany for Bayer Leverkusen, and though a recurring thigh injury hampered his progress in the first half of the season, he came back to play in 14 matches before being called up for Croatia.
Time on their hands
Although not all young players make it in the big stage, and these are not an exception, time is on their hands. And ten years from now, their names could be alongside other European footballing legends.
Written by Brian Humphrey
Follow Brian on Twitter @brihum
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