OPINION: Is the Dazzle of the Under-21 European Championship Fading in Today’s Football?

On Saturday, an impressive crowd of 19,153 gathered to witness England’s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Germany after extra time, marking the end of an exhilarating 16 days of football at the Under-21 European Championship held in Slovakia.

Emerging talents from across Europe descended on Slovakia to measure their skills against one another, gaining crucial match experience as they chart their futures for both club and country.

Yet, one may wonder whether this tournament, rich in tradition and a renowned producer of elite talent, retains the charm it once had, or if it is being overshadowed by the abundance of modern football.

A reliable measure of a tournament’s success is often the level of interest it generates from the host nation. In Slovakia, aside from the attendance at their national team’s matches, the overall turnout has been quite modest.

The Czech Republic’s opening match in Dunajska Streda attracted thousands of supporters, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a World Cup qualifier or significant club fixture.

Conversely, some games have failed to draw the same enthusiasm. For instance, a mere 2,218 spectators watched Poland succumb to Georgia in Zilina.

For context, the average attendance was approximately 3,000 higher for each match during the 2023 edition held in Georgia and Romania just two years ago.

This downward trend becomes even more obvious when reflecting on the 2021 tournament. Back then, venues in Hungary and Slovenia welcomed over 13,000 fans per match on average.

These figures may be inflated due to the substantial crowds for host nation matches, yet the sense of disinterest is troubling.

Calendar Conundrums

This year’s Euros encountered a unique challenge as it coincided with the dominant presence of the Club World Cup.

FIFA seized the opportunity to boost their revenues with a four-week tournament in the USA, leading to scheduling clashes that affected viewership.

More importantly, this situation has siphoned off talent from the Euros.

England lost both Jobe Bellingham and Liam Delap to the Club World Cup, just days before heading to Slovakia; Spain was unable to secure the services of young Porto forward Samu, and PSG prodigy Joao Neves, who previously played for Portugal in qualification, found himself in the US rather than Slovakia.

It’s not uncommon for young players to miss out on age group tournaments; for instance, Lamine Yamal was always unlikely to participate for Spain this summer due to his established role in the senior squad. Nevertheless, the Club World Cup has further hampered teams’ attempts to field their strongest line-ups at the Euros.

This trend could have more profound implications in the future. FIFA is already considering making this flagship event a bi-annual occurrence and expanding the participating teams to 48. Should this come to pass, the European Championships could face serious challenges.

While some players have chosen to prioritise national aspirations over club commitments—like James McAtee, who opted to lead England in Slovakia rather than join Manchester City in the US—such instances are rare. With uncertainties about his future at the Etihad Stadium, showcasing his talents in Central Europe was likely his best avenue for attracting potential offers.

Additionally, players have the chance to learn from some of the association’s finest coaches. For example, Tino Livramento’s three weeks with Ashley Cole is invaluable.

National coaches will also be monitoring the tournament closely. Players who can demonstrate their capacity to perform under pressure a year prior to a World Cup could secure further opportunities within the squad.

Pride and Passion

Many players expressed that donning their national shirt holds immense significance, with moments like these being memories they will treasure for a lifetime. This spirit of patriotism and passion remains undiminished, emphasising the value of age-group tournaments for the players involved.

However, is that enough to ensure the ongoing relevance of these tournaments?

The pathway to senior teams through these competitions is well-established and continues to yield players ready for the next level.

Jumping age groups and diving straight into the senior setup has always been a part of the sport. Just look at Lionel Messi, who participated in the Olympics with Argentina’s Under-23s, yet has spent the rest of his international career in the senior team.

Perhaps this highlights the true importance of the tournament. Players embark on diverse journeys to reach the pinnacle of their careers, and for some, this may be the highest level they achieve with their national team.

The pursuit of glory, the camaraderie forged within squads, and the whirlwind experience of tournament football is something that simply cannot be replicated at the club level.

The Under-21 European Championship faces fierce competition to establish its place among football’s titans, yet the essence of this tournament will continue to create lasting memories, just as it did in Bratislava this past weekend, ensuring its relevance endures.