England Under-21s discover their opponents for Euro 2019 when the draw is held in Bologna on Friday.

The Young Lions, who reached the semi finals of Euro 2017, will be one of the favourites in Italy and San Marino next year.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at the those hoping to lift the trophy.

Goalkeepers

Sheffield United v Stoke City – Sky Bet Championship – Bramall Lane
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is now England Under-21s’ No.1. (Tim Goode/PA)

Dean Henderson has overtaken Angus Gunn, who played at Euro 2017, as number one with Gunn struggling for action at Southampton. Manchester United’s Henderson, on loan at Sheffield United, helped England win the Under-20 World Cup and only made his Under-21 debut in March. Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman completes the goalkeepers and it would be a surprise to see any changes for next summer.

Defenders

Denmark U21 v England U21 – International Friendly – Blue Water Arena
Fikayo Tomori has impressed on loan at Derby from Chelsea. (Simon Cooper/PA)

For all England’s attacking prowess the defence gets overlooked with the absence of star names. But Aaron Wan-Bissaka has shone at Crystal Palace this season while Derby’s Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori and Brentford’s Ezri Konsa are going well in the Sky Bet Championship. Ben Chilwell could now stay with the senior side for the Nations League – which is played a week before Euro 2019 – after impressing but that decision is yet to be made.

Midfielders

Spain v England – UEFA Nations League – Group A4 – Benito Villamarin Stadium
Mason Mount has earned a senior call up this season. (Nick Potts/PA)

There is plenty of tournament winning experience in midfield with Lewis Cook, who was on stand-by for the World Cup, successful at the Under-17 Euros, Under-20 World Cup and the summer’s Toulon Tournament. Chelsea’s Mason Mount won the Under-19 Euros last year and has already earned a senior call after his form on loan at Derby. Manchester City’s Phil Foden won the Golden Ball at the Under-17s World Cup  while Jame Maddison and Demarai Gray continue to shine in the Premier League with Reiss Nelson flying during his loan at Hoffenheim.

Forwards

Denmark U21 v England U21 – International Friendly – Blue Water Arena
Dominic Solanke, right, has scored four in his last two Under-21 appearances. (Simon Cooper/PA)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke both scored twice in Tuesday’s 5-1 demolition of Denmark, with Solanke’s backheel strike gaining attention. Solanke also grabbed two against Italy last week and is a favourite of boss Aidy Boothroyd – despite his lack of action for Liverpool this season.
Calvert-Lewin netted England Under-20s’ World Cup winner in their 1-0 victory over Venezuela last year and the pair have moved ahead of Tammy Abraham after he led the line at Euro 2017.

Staff

Denmark U21 v England U21 – International Friendly – Blue Water Arena
England Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd, centre left, ahead of Tuesday’s friendly in Denmark. (Simon Cooper/PA)

Boss Boothroyd took England to the semi finals of Euro 2017 but with the talent at his disposal will be expected to reach the final next year. He has restored any damage to his reputation when he left Northampton in 2013 with the Cobblers bottom of the EFL. Lee Carsley remains a trusted lieutenant and Sol Campbell and Terry Connor have been with the Under-21s this season as part of the FA’s In Pursuit of Progress plan but it remains to be seen if either join the group next year.