Our first pre-season preview reminisces about a spectacular European Championships to help you build your new team

Euro 2012 had it all; great goals, exquisite skill, a touch of controversy and, of course, another England quarter-final exit.

Here, we report back on the Premier League players that shone during the competition, looking ahead to next season to see who will be the stars of fantasy football in 2012/13.

Starting with the champions Spain, Manchester City's David Silva frequently provided the creative spark that lifted some otherwise flat performances from La Roja.

He scored two goals and tallied more assists than any of his compatriots with three, meaning he finished the tournament on 15 fantasy football points.

More surprising, particularly for the Stamford Bridge faithful, was the way Fernando Torres stole the Golden Boot right off Mario Gomez's foot, with three goals and one assist, finishing on 16 fantasy football points.

There will be some who remain sceptical of his ability to perform for the Blues, but his supporters will claim that we finally saw a return to top form for the former Atletico Madrid assassin in Eastern Europe.

To England, and most notable is the inclusion of Steven Gerrard in UEFA's team of the tournament for four resilient captain's displays that drove England beyond the Group Stage.

His three assists included a perfect cross for Liverpool team-mate Andy Carroll's thumping header against Sweden.

That combination could well be a sign of positive things to come on Merseyside.

The England back-line could also provide some selection options next season.

While the midfield was frequently caught out by fast paced counter-attacks, the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott and, of course, Joe Hart all performed admirably.

Chelsea's Cole and Terry are both veterans now, but were among the sprightlier performers at the Euros.

Lescott and Hart head back to the Etihad Stadium to chase another championship and, while they won't be the cheapest options, every fantasy football team requires a balanced selection of risky picks and proven quality, the latter of which they can both lay claim to.

Meanwhile, Johnson will be reunited with Daniel Agger at Liverpool.

The Danish centre-back was one of his country's outstanding performers, proving his worth against the quality attacks of Germany, Holland and Portugal.

If both defenders take their form back home they could pick up plenty of clean sheet points over the coming year.

Aside from the English, Group D provided plenty of promise for Premier League fans.

Yohan Cabaye pinched a well-taken goal against Ukraine, while Samir Nasri reminded us how dangerous he can be against quality defenders with his cracker against team-mate Hart.

Hatem Ben Arfa made only one start but will be returning to Tyneside to team up with Cabaye in what could be a very profitable partnership for fantasy football managers.

Sebastian Larsson will be returning to Sunderland, having picked up seven fantasy football points for his two assists and one goal for Sweden.

You should also bear in mind the form that his Black Cats colleague Nicklas Bendtner showed for Denmark.

Is the man who once ranked himself second in the world on talent to Lionel Messi (while sitting on Arsenal's bench) finally living up to his own hype?

However, don't forget that Bendtner's future remains uncertain because he was on loan at Sunderland last season and is still officially an Arsenal player.

And finally, a word for Mario Balotelli.

Sadly you get no reward for the number of ripples on your torso, but 15 fantasy football points don't lie.

Nor did his stunning round-the-corner-bicycle kick against Ireland.

His agent recently said he is the first player in the world to be worth €200m.

He'll be more reasonably priced in the Fantasy League Classic game, but is there any greater risk for a fantasy football manager than a player who all too often brings the referee's hand to his pocket?