Bulgaria

Bulgaria qualified automatically as hosts and are the only nation appearing in the final tournament for the first time. It will be a steep learning curve for Alexander Dimitrov's side, but the coach is looking forward to the challenge.

"It is a great honour for us to host the final tournament, but it is also a great responsibility," he said. "One thing is certain, we will give our best and we will play with pride. Of course, there are no weak teams here. Just look at the finalists and you will see Europe's finest teams and players at this level."

Dimitrov is hoping home advantage and strong support will benefit his charges, who have been buoyed by some impressive recent friendly results. A pair of 2-1 wins against Switzerland in March augurs well, as does a 4-1 victory over FYR Macedonia last month, with striker Tonislav Yordanov among the goals.

Injuries to captain Georgi Yanev and forward Valentin Yoskov, however, hampered preparations. Among Dimitrov's group are midfielders Vladislav Zhikov, who is in the AC Milan youth set-up, and Alex Borimirov, son of former Bulgarian international Daniel Borimirov, who was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA Word Cup.

Team records

UEFA European Under-17 Championship best
Elite round: 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013

Coach: Alexandar Dimitrov

Date of birth: 12 September 1976
Nationality: Bulgarian
Playing career: PFC CSKA Sofia, PFC Akademik Sofia, PFC Belasitsa Petrich, PFC Maritsa Plovdiv
Coaching career: FC Conegliano, FC Vitosha Bistritsa, Indonesia (assistant), Bulgaria U21s (assistant), PFC Botev Plovidv (assistant), Bulgaria U19s, Bulgaria U17s

Dimitrov has served as assistant coach of Indonesia, Bulgaria U21s and Botev Plovdiv. The 2015 U17 finals will be Dimitrov's second UEFA tournament experience in less than 12 months, the former CSKA Sofia academy graduate having presided over Bulgaria's three defeats at the U19 European Championship in Hungary last July. He initially took the U17 helm in 2010, returning to the role this season.