Just for interests sake this was the under 21 eleven chosen by Uefa after the championship
Petr Cech (Czech Republic)
Three saves in the shoot-out won the title for his side and his presence between the posts had a visible effect on his side's confidence in the final against the highly-favoured French. Man of the match in the final, the AC Sparta Praha goalkeeper was equally impressive in the Czechs' other games.
Massimo Maccarone (Italy)
The Italians had other strong candidates in defender Matteo Ferrari and midfield player Andrea Pirlo but Maccarone wins the vote for his eye-catching goals - three in four matches - which he often created for himself. A handful for any defender, his match-winner against England was the competition's outstanding moment. Even in a nightmare 3-2 defeat in the semi-final against the Czech Republic Maccarone still managed to score and earn a penalty for Italy.
Benoit Pedretti (France)
An unfussy midfield player who goes about his job with great style. He is always aware of team-mates in space and invariably finds the target with his passing. When the opposition have possession he proved to be firmer and more decisive in the tackle than his slight build would suggest. He surely has a bright future ahead of him.
Jérémie Bréchet (France)
France had terrific balance in their team and two left-footed defenders stood out, Bréchet and Julien Escude, the left back. Bréchet was totally dependable and, although not as physically impressive as his central defensive partner Alain Boumsong, he could always be relied upon to read the situation and make effective tackles. His use of the ball from the back was also sound.
Tom Soetars (Belgium)
After just seven appearances for RSC Anderlecht he joined Roda JC for €1.6m in the spring of 2000. He failed to hit the target in his first eight games for Roda but was awarded the No9 jersey for the 2000/01 season. Of the many players to have come through the Anderlecht Academy only to leave, Soetaers was perhaps the most highly-rated. He has devastating pace and proved a menace to every defence he faced during the U21 tournament.
Pegguy Luyindula (France)
First emerged as a fast and skilful striker at the junior international tournament in Toulon in June 1998 when he finished top scorer with six goals. Despite initially struggling to score in the French first division at RC Strasbourg, Claude Le Roy did not hesitate to give him a regular starting place when he took over as coach in November 1999. Alone up front, Luyindula took his chance, scoring five important goals in the next three months, including a hat-trick against Lyon in February 2000 at the Meinau. Since then, Luyindula, the son of former Zaire international Maki Luyindula, has moved on to play for Olympique Lyonnais and his talent was underlined in his performances during the U21 Championship.
Jean-Alain Boumsong (France)
Showed that Djibril Cissé's goalscoring exploits was not the only reason why AJ Auxerre have just had a good season . An accomplished defender he is an excellent reader of the game, strong in the tackle, dominant in the air and confident in possession,. He may well be the natural successor to Marcel Desailly at senior level. A pity he missed that penalty in the final shootout, though.
Pierre-Alain Frau (France)
Although only a squad player for the French he would have figured in any other team's starting eleven. Very fast and more skilful than his colleagues in the French attack, Frau - who scored two stunning goals against Greece - showed why he has starred for FC Sochaux Montbéliard this season.
Hugo Viana (Portugal)
A skilful midfield playmaker with a superb goalscoring touch, he is surely an idol of the future. He has joined the senior Portuguese squad in the FIFA World Cup, and would surely not be out of place if called into action. Scored a fine goal against England as part of a superb display.
Stephan Keller (Switzerland)
A solid, reliable central defender and a tower of strength to his team-mates, his sending-off unfortunately turned the semi-final France's way. Against Portugal and Italy, Keller was an impressive sight in the air and embodied the Swiss team's determination and solidarity.
Jermain Pennant (England)
The Arsenal FC midfield player is a pacy dribbler who has the skill to unlock any defence. Shone out as an attacking force against Switzerland, and when re-introduced against Portugal his running kept England afloat in a traumatic first 30 minutes. Playing out on the right he caught the eye with his imagination, something his England team-mates sadly lacked throughout the tournament.
This is only in Europe...so I would add...
Colocinni (Arg // Atletico Madrid)
D'Allesandro (Arg // River Plate)
Danilo Arriette (Chile // Valencia)
Kaka (Sao Paulo // Brazil)
Diouf (Senegal // Lens)
and of course...
Saviola (Arg // Barca)
also from Europe
Dijbril Cisse (France// Auxerre)
Chivu (Romania // Ajax)
Rosicky (Czech// BvB)
and..
Vicente (Spain// Valencia)
...phew :yawn: