What happened to the England U21 side that started the 2009 Euro Championships final? | OneFootball
There have been plenty of false dawns for the England national side.
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The Three Lions have managed to become something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, consistently failing to succeed on the grand stage when everything appears to be in the trophy-strapped nation's favour.
However, that could be about to change on Saturday evening when Lee Carsley sends his England Under-21 side to do battle with Spain in the final of the European Championship at the Adjarabet Arena in Georgia.
Things couldn't have gone any better for Carsley's youngsters on their way to the showpiece occasion. They've maintained a 100% record at the tournament and have yet to concede a goal.
Expectations are high that the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Gibbs-White and Levi Colwill will be able to power their nation to a first success in the competition since 1984.
Hopes are high that a number of players from within the squad could go on to have stellar careers at senior international level - and lifting the trophy this weekend would only enhance their claims for full honours.
Long-time England fans, though, will be all too aware that they've been here before with the Under-21 side.
It was fourteen years ago that feelings of optimism among an ever-expectant nation began to rise in light of the country's journey to the final of the same competition.
Stuart Pearce's contingent of up-and-coming youngsters met Germany in the final having beaten host nation Sweden on penalties in the semis.
Unfortunately, Germany, so often England's nemesis in major competitions, exerted their supremacy with a remarkably routine 4-0 win.
The victors boasted a starting XI that included Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, but Pearce fielded
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