England were rocked in their preparations for the UEFA European Under 21 Championship after midfielder David Bentley withdrew from the squad citing fatigue. The Blackburn Rovers player was seen as a vital cog for England as they embarked on yet another youth campaign.

Coach Stuart Pearce was furious with Bentley's decision, but there was little he could do, so he has suggested that perhaps the time has come for the England youth squad to have a full-time coach so such issues can be dealt with in a professional manner.

Nevertheless England captain Nigel Reo-Coker feels the team has a great chance as it is filled to brim with talented players like Kieran Richardson, Steven Taylor, Tom Huddlestone and Leroy Lita. The England skipper is by no means a bunny and on his day he packs a mean punch as well.

However the less than amicable departure of Bentley might jeopardize team spirit. On its part the Football Association has strived to put a lid on the whole incident. In a statement, the England FA said, "Bentley returned on Thursday morning after three weeks with the England senior squad following on from a long season with Blackburn Rovers."

The Italy team has no such worries at the moment and is concentrating on lifting a record sixth UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Since the tournament format changed in 1992, the Italian team has lifted the youth trophy five teams. Last year in Portugal the team was unceremoniously knocked out in the group stages and coach Pierluigi Casiraghi is determined to see his wards through this year.

Last year was undoubtedly the worst for football in Italy following the bribery scandal, but the country was lifted by the World Cup triumph and the youth team will be looking to further heal the wounds by lifting the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

With names like Alessandro Rosina and Alberto Aquilani in their ranks, the Italy team certainly has it in them to power to a sixth title. However with teams like England, Serbia and the Czech Republic to surpass in the first hurdle, things are not at all going to be easy.