As we approach the company end of this European Qualifiers, that states are currently projecting towards next summers tournament? And who is at risk of falling out?
National soccer makes sense for internationals over the next week, with an entire slew of European Qualifiers being shown live on Sky Sports.
But how is every class shaping up? From the leaders to ties at the top, we look at the state of play going into Octobers qualifiers…
Coming up: October 11 – Montenegro v Bulgaria, Czech Republic v England; October 14 – Bulgaria v England, Kosovo v Montenegro
Its starting to look like a case of when, not if, for England. After an triumph over nearest-rivals Kosovo last time out, they have a game in your mind along with a pillow in the qualification places.
They can guarantee top place too should they perform the double, and A win over Czech Republic on Friday will seal their route to the finals and beat Bulgaria or Kosovo fail to take maximum points at home to Montenegro.
The place is more up for grabs. Should they dont beat England on October 11, Kosovo could are second but leapfrogs czech Republic. Both winless with 2 points per day, Bulgaria and montenegro, will need something approaching a wonder.
Coming up: October 11 – Portugal v Luxembourg, Ukraine v Lithuania; October 14 – Ukraine v Portugal, Lithuania v Serbia
Life is looking rosy to get Ukraine, who seem to qualify for their Euro finals in a row on top of Group B. A triumph over Lithuania on Friday will all-but see through them ; four points would be sufficient.
Portugal are far from assured of a chance to retain the trophy they won in France however they do have a game in hand over Serbia and a triumph over minnows Luxembourg will give them some breathing space.
Luxembourgs unlikely shot in a place will soon be over with defeat while Lithuania must offer a enormous jolt should they would like to keep their dreams alive.
Coming up: October 10 – Netherlands v Northern Ireland, Belarus v Estonia; October 13 – Estonia v Germany, Belarus v Netherlands
Northern Ireland start was torn apart from Germany last time . A tough visit to the Netherlands, whove been back with a bang within the past 12 months, awaits on Thursday however defeat in that wouldnt be deadly, although it could be a bitter blow.
Leaders Germany could find themselves leapfrogged by the end of the worldwide break, especially if they are held themselves by Estonia on Sunday, while Belarus must conquer Estonia to stand any opportunity.
Coming up: October 12 – Georgia v Republic of Ireland v Switzerland; October 15 – Switzerland v Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar v Georgia
A month republic of Ireland look in great shape with Switzerland and by beating Georgia out next time, they would be left in sterling shape Switzerland and Denmark going head-to-head the exact same night.
If Switzerland neglect to win that one, should Ireland take points in Georgia itd give them a chance to work on Sunday.
Georgias surprise draw with Denmark last time out gave them his fourth purpose of qualifying, but they could be eliminated this weekend – worse information for Gibraltar, who have lost every match and are out of contention.
Coming up: October 10 – Croatia v Hungary, Slovakia v Wales; October 13 – Hungary Slovakia Azerbaijan
Wales could be fourth Group E as they look, although things arent all. A win within Slovakia on Thursday will take them level with a game in hand, and its close a must-win game for Ryan Giggs also moving.
The blip from Hungary of croatia aside they have been pretty consistent up at the very best, but there is a reason they are very much in it and Hungary qualified for the last Euros.
Azerbaijan are out, despite an draw with Croatia in September.
Coming up: October 12 – Malta v Sweden, Faroe Islands v Romania, Norway v Spain; October 15 – Sweden v Spain, Romania v Norway
Spain record has them as good as through and they can reserve their place in the finals this weekend.
That aside area is all up in the atmosphere, together with Norway, Romania and Sweden separated by two points with two matches to move. Romania will be happy theyre the threes sole facet not to play Spain this weekend and they sponsor Norway Tuesday.
Additional down Malta and Faroe Islands are equally back, with only three factors to show between them – though that will change if they move.
Coming up: October 10 – Latvia v Poland, Austria v Israel, North Macedonia v Slovenia; October 13 – Slovenia v Austria, Poland v North Macedonia
Its a tiny bit congested using just five points separating the top five teams, at the top of Group G. Poland, that have taken the bull by the horns, are two points clear from Slovenia and have pointless Latvia up next, therefore will be convinced of earning at least one win weekly.
The run of three wins in a row of slovenia has lifted them up but they have Austria, who are a point behind them.
North Macedonia and Israel are five points behind Poland, but with 12 points to perform from the four games, they continue to be in contention to the qualification places.
Coming up: October 11 – Andorra v Moldova, Iceland v France, Turkey v Albania; October 14 – France v Turkey, Iceland Turkey Andorra, Moldova v Albania
Its a critical week Group H since France get set to confront Turkey and Iceland. Two wins from two for Didier Deschamps side, who currently sit next to the group behind Turkey and of Iceland, could see them take a huge stride towards qualification.
Albania, who are six points from France and Turkey, will be hoping they can still sneak in the qualification spots with four games to go, but theres not much room for error to get Edoardo Rejas side.
Coming up: October 10 – Russia v Scotland, Kazakhstan v Cyprus, Belgium v San Marino; October 13 – Scotland v San Marino, Kazakhstan v Belgium, Cyprus Belgium Russia
Belgium have a record in eligibility so far and they can affirm their place with success against San Marino and also some draw between Cyprus and Kazakhstan.
Additionally, it is a final throw of the dice for Scotland in Group I. Steve Clarkes side has to conquer Russia to have any chance of qualifying, however if they dont they might still reach Euro 2020 as theyre ensured a play-off spot for winning their own Nations League team.
If Russia, who will be eight points clear from Cyprus and Kazakhstan in third and fourth respectively, beat Scotland and Kazakhstan draw with Cyprus group I could be performed and dusted on Thursday.
Coming up: October 12 – Bosnia and Herzegovina v Finland v Greece, Liechtenstein v Armenia; October 13 – Liechtenstein v Italy, Greece v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland v Armenia
There is still plenty to play in Group J together with Finland, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Greece all still vying to finish from the eligibility areas with Italy, who have won all their matches so far.
Roberto Mancinis side will be eligible over Greece, that want all 3 points to stay in contention on Saturday with victory.
Finland, who have 12 points from their six games so far, currently sit second from the team and are on course to make their debut in a significant finals. They face two big games from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are five points behind Finland, and Armenia, that are next in the group, three points behind the Finns.
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