COMMENT: So where does the U21 Euros sit in England's development structure?
Is the tournament there to provide experience and competition for England's next generation? Or is Gareth Southgate's team going to the Czech Republic to win by any means necessary?
When the whistle blows to end the final, Thomas Ince will be closer to 24 years of age than 23. We're talking about an U21 tournament, ideal for players 18-20, not one about to turn 24!
The Hull City winger's decision to give it a swerve has drawn attacks from in-and-outside the game, with claims of "treason" from some quarters.
But if he was to commit and England were to even win, what benefit would it bring to the player? What personal satisfaction would Ince draw from beating players four and five years his junior? How does his football develop from such an environment?
The crazy thing is the same critics who have lambasted Ince and his Dad, Paul, the former Manchester United and Liverpool captain, in the same breath claim the winger has 'found his level' at Derby County in the Championship and 'is never going to be Premier League standard anyway'.
So the question is for the Ince knockers... if Thomas isn't a future England prospect, why insist he go as a virtual over-age player, taking the place of a younger, brighter talent? You're MAKING NO SENSE!
The attacks on his Dad have been ridiculous. Claims Paul has 'too much say' on his son's career and he's giving Thomas 'bad advice' have emerged since the decision was made public.
But it was Paul who encouraged Thomas to quit the plush Liverpool academy for a chance of first team football at Blackpool. Then last summer, when even Liverpool were seeking to re-sign him, Thomas chose Hull over the glamour of Inter Milan, another of Paul's former clubs, despite having met with then president Massimo Moratti and toured the Appiano Gentile training complex.
Not exactly the choices of someone seeking a fast buck and the soft option.
The doubts being leveled at Ince have all stemmed from a difficult 2014. A tough loan spell at Crystal Palace last season was followed by a move to Hull and a similarly difficult time with Nottingham Forest. But find me one player of Ince's age who has not experienced a lean period as he did last year? How is Ross Barkley performing this season at Everton? Adnan Januzaj at Manchester United? Anyone?
Paul's advice to Thomas seems sound: 'You've had five different clubs over the last year, you need stability, to find some rhythm and a full preseason under your belt'.
Which is what we're now seeing from Thomas at Derby County, where he's been flying since his move last month. Six goals in eight games - and from midfield? It's not the form of an also-ran.
It's understandable, having rediscovered the self-belief and confidence lost last year, that Ince would be concerned about breaking that rhythm by committing to the U21s, their preparation games and the summer tournament. Even more so when the benefits to his game, as a vastly over-age player, are debatable.
The disappointment over Ince's decision is logical. But the criticism has been simply mean spirited and short-sighted.
If England went to the Czech Republic with a squad full of 23 (going on 24) year-old players and won the final beating a Germany made up of U20 and U19 players, which country would emerge the stronger for the experience?
