Elite U17s begin finals race

The 2005/06 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round kicks off on Thursday with 28 teams vying for seven places in this summer's finals in Luxembourg.

Turkish test
Holders Turkey will stage the last of the seven pools, Group 3, beginning their campaign against Denmark next Wednesday, with games at two-day intervals against the Czech Republic and the nation they succeeded as U17 champions, France. The first fixtures, however, will be in Group 5 from Thursday until Monday, with Cyprus at home against Wales, Moldova and their opening opponents, Spain.

Former winners
The Netherlands, runners-up in 2005, start in Group 1 a day later at home to Germany - whom they pipped to last year's final tournament in a dramatic encounter - Finland and Northern Ireland. On Sunday, two more sections commence, each including former U17 champions. Portugal hold Group 2 against Hungary, Sweden and Ukraine, while Switzerland will be in Poland for Group 4 which also features Belgium and Slovakia.

Anglo-Italian rematch
A day later Group 6 begins, with the Republic of Ireland up against Romania, Serbia and Montenegro and 2005 qualifiers Israel. Then, on Tuesday, Group 7 gets under way with the only side to have appeared in all four U17 final rounds, England, at home against Russia, Bulgaria and the team that beat them to last season's semi-finals, 2005 finals hosts Italy.

Finals draw
Luxembourg, who have qualified automatically, stage the finals from 3-14 May. Michel Platini and UEFA Youth and Amateur Committee chairman Jim Boyce will make the finals draw at Mamer Castle on Thursday 6 April at 18.00CET.

*Group hosts