England's Young Lions ready for Under-17 European Championship challenge in Azerbaijan as Steve Cooper's men aim to emulate 2010 and 2014 glories 

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Roy Hodgson's men are not the only England side competing in a European Championship finals this summer.

The Under-17 European Championship kicks off in Azerbaijan this week and Steve Cooper's Young Lions are among those fancied to lift the trophy.

It is a prestigious competition, with Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Mario Gotze and Eden Hazard among the many stars to have profited from playing in it over the recent past.

Here's everything you need to know about the tournament over the next few weeks. 

England will be hoping to emulate the class of 2014 by winning the Under-17 European Championship 

England coach Steve Cooper will be hoping his Young Lions can bring the trophy home from Azerbaijan 

Who is taking part?

There will be 16 teams at the tournament, which runs from May 5-21. This includes the hosts Azerbaijan and 15 others who emerged from the qualification phase.

They have been split into four groups of four, with the top two from each advancing from the quarter-finals. It's then a straight knockout from there.

Games are 80 minutes in duration as is standard for the Under 17s and, as ever, extra-time and penalties will be used to decide games if the knockout fixtures finish level.

England and Scotland have made the finals and most of the usual European powerhouses are all present and correct, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland.

Edward Francis (right) in action during England's friendly match with Germany last year

Trevoh Chalobah, defender for England and Chelsea, on the ball during last year's match with Germany

Where is the tournament taking place?

At four stadiums in and around the Azerbaijan capital city of Baku.

The main arena is the 68,000-capacity Baku Olympic Stadium, which will host six group fixtures, both semi-finals and the final on May 21. It is where the Azerbaijan national team play their home fixtures.

The Qarabag Stadium, which holds 4,735 spectators, will stage six group games. Qarabag are the defending champions in Azerbaijan and lost to Celtic in the Champions League third qualifying round before being paired with Tottenham in their Europa League group.

The 8km Stadium, so named because of its location 8km east of Baku city centre, holds 10,500 and will host six group games and two quarter-finals. It is home to Neftci, eight-time winners of the league.

Finally, the Dalga Arena, which has a capacity of 6,700 and will host six group games and two quarter-finals, is where the Azerbaijan youth teams typically play.

The 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Baku is set to host the latter stages of the tournament 

What happened last year?

Last year's competition was staged in Bulgaria and saw France defeat Germany 4-1 in the final.

England were knocked out by Russia in the last eight but then beat Spain in a play-off to at least secure a place at the Under-17 World Cup.

Scotland and the Republic of Ireland were knocked out at the group stage.

Who are England playing this time around?

The Young Lions have been drawn in Group C alongside Sweden, France and Denmark.

They open their campaign against Sweden on Friday May 6, then play France on Monday May 9 and round things off against Denmark on Thursday May 12.

England and Arsenal defender Tolaji Bola in action for England in their friendly with Germany last year

Can I watch the games on television?

Yes, British Eurosport will be screening a selection of games live, including all the matches involving Germany, Portugal and France.

So that means one England game (against France) will be shown live in the UK.

You can, of course, read all the latest news here on MailOnline.

What's England's pedigree in this tournament?

Their recent pedigree at Under-17 level is very good, with tournament wins in both 2010 and 2014.

In 2010, a squad that included the likes of Ross Barkley, Jack Butland, Saido Berahino and Connor Wickham overcame Spain 2-1 in the final.

Two years ago, Holland were beaten on penalties in the final following a 1-1 draw. The team included the likes of Patrick Roberts, Izzy Brown, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook.

The talented 2010 vintage who beat Spain to claim the European Championship crown 

Lewis Cook (left) and Adam Armstrong celebrate after England beat Holland to win the tournament in 2014

Who is the England coach?

Steve Cooper was appointed coach of the England Under 16s in 2014 and has moved up with the players to this age group.

Before this job, Cooper was a player and youth team coach for Wrexham before spending five years with Liverpool in various academy positions. 

Ahead of the tournament, Cooper said: 'We know it’s a tough group with four really good sides. But that’s what you have to expect at a major tournament – we just have to make sure that we’re ready come Sweden on Friday which is what we’re aiming to do.'

On being labelled as one of the favourites, he added: 'That’s nice to be considered as one of the best teams but as I’ve said, there’s a lot of particularly good teams. France are in a good moment and are the current champions and they will pose us a challenge but so will each team. 

'We just need to focus on ourselves and make sure we prepare right for our first three games, which will all be really tough.' 

Three to watch for England

Reiss Nelson - the 16-year-old winger is a highly-regarded prospect in Arsenal's academy and has developed a maturity beyond his years by playing in the Gunners' U21 and UEFA Youth League teams. Nelson has pace and a clinical finish, as proven by his record of six goals in four outings for the England U17s.

Arsenal star Reiss Nelson will likely line up on the wing for England during the competition 

Mason Mount - the industrious and skilful midfielder has made big strides at Chelsea this season and this has been rewarded with winners medals in the UEFA Youth League and the FA Youth Cup over the past few weeks. Mount, who can play right across the midfield but is predominantly a playmaker, has been at Chelsea since the age of six. He has played two matches for England U17s. 

Mason Mount, the talented Chelsea midfielder, playing for England during a match with Switzerland

Dujon Sterling - the 16-year-old starlet can either play on the right-hand side of defence or midfield and has enjoyed a successful season that saw him win the Youth Cup and Youth League with Chelsea. Quick, tricky, skilful and with an eye for goal, Sterling could well prove an influential figure for England though he is a relative newcomer to the side. 

Dujon Sterling celebrates his goal for Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City