Spain, England and Germany will be among the favorites when the Under 21 European Championship kicks off Wednesday against the backdrop of a campaign to protest Israel's selection as host.
The biannual tournament is among the major football tournaments of the summer - and one of the most significant sporting events Israel has staged in its 65-year history.
The choice of host, however, did not come without controversy. Pro-Palestinian activists waged a campaign against Israel's selection that failed to sway UEFA president Michel Platini.
''UEFA is an apolitical organization and your association earned the right to host this competition through a fair, democratic vote,'' Platini wrote to Israel Football Association Chairman Avi Luzon. ''I am sure that it will be a beautiful celebration of football that, once again, will bring people together.''
Palestinian Football Association chairman Jibril Rajoub condemned the decision, saying Israel should not be allowed to host such a tournament while it hinders the free movement of Palestinian footballers between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which is ruled by Hamas militants. The Palestinian team is split between the two territories, which are on different sides of Israel. Israel cited security concerns for hindering travel between the two entities.
''We hope that the participants understand that there is an occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem, and we hope they will refrain from participating in any activity in these territories whether sport, social or tourism,'' Rajoub said.
Luzon said he would try to help resolve the issue of the movement of the Palestinian athletes, but added that he hopes football and politics could stay separate.
''We will continue to guard Israeli football and football in general from all political influence,'' he said. ''I am pleased that this problem is behind us and we will continue to strive for the advancement of football.''
The English, who were beaten by Germany in the final when the tournament was held in Sweden four years ago, start their Group A campaign on Wednesday with a tough match against Italy in Tel Aviv.
Israel, also in Group A, will kick off the eight-team tournament against Norway earlier in the day in front of an expected capacity crowd of13,800 in the newly built Netanya Stadium. The Israelis will be hoping to improve on their only other showing in the tournament six years ago when they lost all three group games.
Group B features defending champion Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Russia.
Considering the recent dominance by the Spanish of the European Championship and World Cup at senior level, it's no surprise that their junior players are odds on to repeat their success from two years ago in Denmark.
Coach Julen Lopetegui has selected an experienced squad led by Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara and Malaga playmaker Isco are the outfield stars and will be hoping to shine, starting with their first game against Russia in Jerusalem on Thursday.
All three were selected instead of traveling to Brazil for the Confederations Cup despite having already played for the senior national team, indicating how seriously Spain is taking the tournament
''We are going into the tournament looking to be as much of a team as we possibly can be,'' Lopetegui said. ''We have full confidence in this group of players, they fill us with hope. Having said that, we know that we will have to do our talking on the pitch.''
Spain will be vying for supremacy in Group B with Germany, which is bringing a less experienced group of players to Israel. Only two members of the 23-man squad play outside of Germany, with Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby one of the more prominent names.
The England squad, which is again coached by former England hard man Stuart Pearce, includes new United striker Wilfred Zaha after his starring role for Crystal Palace in its Championship playoff success last week.
Zaha injured an ankle during the playoff final against Watford at Wembley Stadium but is still expected to play. A strong England group also features Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson and Blackpool winger Tom Ince.
''I think we've played good football, scored good goals and defended really well at the same time,'' said Henderson, England's captain. ''If we can take that into the summer then we've got a really good chance.''
