Spain – 

Spain’s chances of winning the competition have undoubtedly been boosted by their rivals’ participation in the Confederations Cup.

While many opposition players are travelling to Russia with their senior sides, U21 coach Albert Celades has his full pick of youngsters.

La Rojita only made it to the tournament via the play-offs, but their squad is too good to be underestimated.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez heads their star names and is joined by Hector Bellerin, Denis Suarez and Gerard Delofeu – who top-scored with eight in qualifying.

Also travelling is Marco Asensio, who scored Real Madrid’s fourth in the Champions League final.

They, rather than Portugal, then, should be backed to claim a guaranteed spot in the last four by winning the group.

Germany –

Even with a squad that’s been badly depleted by Confederations Cup absentees, Germany should still be feared.

Six of those poached by the seniors – including Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Timo Werner – featured in qualifying and would still have been eligible to play.

So it is testament to their depth that they still go into the tournament as second-favourites.

They were the only side that qualified with a 100 per cent record from their 10 matches, top scoring with 35 goals in the process.

Seven of those came from Leipzig forward Davie Selke, who will be central to his country’s success in Poland.

They also boast new Bayern Munich recruit Serge Gnabry in attack alongside Wolfsburg’s Max Arnold and Schalke midfielder Max Meyer, all of whom have been capped for the senior team.

Having lost at the semi-final stage two years ago, Germany look a decent bet to go at least one better this time around.

Italy –

Expectations are high for Luigi Di Biagio’s side, and so they should be.

The Azzurini didn’t lose in qualifying and, having only conceded three goals, have the joint-best defence at the tournament.

That is hardly surprising given they boast the highly-coveted Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal as well as centre-back duo Mattia Caldara and Daniele Rugani, who made 45 Serie A appearances between them last season.

Italy only scored 17 goals en route to the tournament, though, so those shortcomings going forward will need to be addressed.

Fiorentina’s 14-goal Federico Bernardeschi and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi represent their best chance of remedying that.

Their final group-stage match against Germany will likely decide who advances to the next stage.

England –

Despite qualifying for six successive editions, England have often struggled to make an impact at the tournament proper, not lifting the trophy since 1984.

But, having been drawn in a week group alongside Poland and Slovakia, that could be about to change.

Marcus Rashford might be absent, but in Tammy Abraham the Young Lions have a striker who scored 26 goals in the Championship last season.

Calum Chambers, James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond are the only players to have been capped at senior level, but England are still not short of Premier League experience.

Jordan Pickford, Mason Holgate and Demarai Gray all made at least 21 first-team appearances last season.

Having breezed through qualifying, winning six and drawing two of their eight matches, making it out of the group should be their minimum target.

Sweden –

Defending champions Sweden are a tasty price to retain their title.

They beat Portugal on penalties in the 2015 final and, having finished above Spain in qualification, have not dropped off in the interim.

Manager Hakan Ericson has named one of the most experienced squads at the tournament.

Twelve of the 23 have already made their full international bow, including defenders Linus Walqvist, Joakim Nilsson and captain Kristoffer Olsson.

Going forward their main threat will come from Westerlo striker Carlos Strandberg, who has scored five in 11 for the U21s, while Sunderland midfielder Joel Asoro also has the pace to cause opponents problems.

Their opening match against England will probably decide the order of the top two in Group A.