As we approach the company end of the European Qualifiers, which states are projecting towards next summers tournament? And whos in danger of missing out?
National soccer makes way for internationals over the next week, using an entire slew of European Qualifiers being shown on Sky Sports.
But is every group shaping up? From the leaders to bonds at the top, we look at the state of play entering 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. Following a fun win over nearest-rivals Kosovo last workout, they have a pillow inside the qualification places along with a game in hand.
A win over Czech Republic on Friday will seal their path to the finals, next 32, and they can guarantee place too should they perform the double and beat Bulgaria – or Kosovo neglect to take maximum points.
The place is more up for grabs. If they dont beat England on October 11 czech Republic are second but could be leapfrogged by Kosovo. Both winless using two points per day, montenegro and Bulgaria, will require something approaching a miracle to finish within the top .
Coming up: October 11 – Portugal v Luxembourg, Ukraine v Lithuania; October 14 – Ukraine v Portugal, Lithuania v Serbia
Life is looking quite rosy to Ukraine, who seem to make up for their next Euro finals in a row. A win over Lithuania on Friday would all-but see them through; four points would be enough.
Portugal are assured of a chance to keep the trophy they won in 2016 in France, however they really do have a match in hand over third-placed Serbia along with a triumph over minnows Luxembourg will give them some breathing space.
Should they wish to keep their dreams alive although Lithuania must offer a jolt, luxembourgs unlikely shot at a location will be over with defeat to Portugal.
Coming up: October 10 – Netherlands v Northern Ireland, Belarus v Estonia; October 13 – Estonia v Germany, Belarus v Netherlands
Northern Ireland start was ripped apart by Germany last time . A visit to the Netherlands, whove been straight back with a bang over the past 12 months, awaits on Thursday even though it would be a bitter blow, however defeat in that would not be deadly.
Although Belarus must conquer Estonia also to stand some chance that is external leaders Germany might find themselves leapfrogged at the conclusion of the global break, especially if theyre held by Estonia on Sunday.
Coming up: October 12 – Georgia v Republic of Ireland, Denmark v Switzerland; October 15 – Switzerland v Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar v Georgia
Past month, republic of Ireland appear after their comeback attraction in good shape Switzerland and by beating Georgia next time out, they would be left in sterling contour, especially with nearest challengers Switzerland and Denmark going head-to-head on exactly the same night.
If Switzerland fail to win this one, should Ireland take maximum points in Georgia itd give them a chance to work on Sunday.
Georgias surprise draw Denmark last time out gave them their fourth purpose of qualifying, however they could be eliminated this weekend – worse information for Gibraltar, who have lost every match and are out of contention.
Coming up: October 10 – Slovakia v Wales, Croatia v Hungary; October 13 – Wales v Croatia, Hungary v Azerbaijan
Wales could be fourth Group E but things are not all as they look. A win within Slovakia on Thursday would take them par with a match in hand, and also going head-to-head on the night it a must-win match for Ryan Giggs.
Croatias blip against Hungary aside they have been consistent up at the very best, but there is a motive Hungary qualified for its last Euros and theyre very much in it with 2 points from five games.
Azerbaijan are out, even though having an eye-catching draw with Croatia in September.
Coming up: October 12 – Faroe Islands v Romania Malta v Sweden; October 15 – Sweden v Spain, Romania v Norway
Spains perfect album has them as great as through and theyre able to book their place at the finals this weekend.
That aside area is all up in the air, together with Romania Sweden and Norway separated by two points with two matches to move. Romania will probably be happy they are the only facet of the three not to play Spain this weekend – and they sponsor Norway following Tuesday.
Further down Faroe and also Malta Islands are both way back, with only three points to show between them though that will change when they move.
Coming up: October 10 – Latvia v Poland v Israel, North Macedonia v Slovenia; October 13 – Slovenia v Austria, Poland v North Macedonia
It is all a little bit congested with just five points, on top of Group G. Poland, who have accepted the bull by the horn are just two points clear of Slovenia and have moot Latvia up next, therefore will be assured of earning at least one win this week.
They have been raised by slovenias run of three wins in a row up to next but they have Austria, who are a point behind them.
North Macedonia and Israel are just five points behind Poland, however with 12 points to play for from the four matches, they are still in contention for the eligibility areas.
Coming up: October 11 – Iceland v France, Turkey v Albania, Andorra v Moldova; October 14 – Moldova v Albania, France v Turkey, Iceland v Andorra
Since France get set to confront Turkey and Iceland, its a week in Group H. Two wins from two to get Didier Deschamps side, who now sit next to the team supporting Turkey on goal difference and three points ahead of third-placed Iceland, would watch them take a enormous stride towards eligibility.
Albania, who are six points from France and Turkey, will be hoping that they could sneak into the spots with four matches to go, but there is not much room for error to get Edoardo Rejas side.
Coming up: October 10 – Kazakhstan v Cyprus, Belgium v San Marino, Russia v Scotland; October 13 – Scotland v San Marino, Kazakhstan v Belgium, Cyprus Belgium Russia
Belgium have a perfect record in qualification up to now and theyre able to confirm their place with a draw between Kazakhstan and Cyprus and also success against San Marino.
In addition, it is a final throw of the dice for Scotland in Group I. Steve Clarkes side must conquer Russia to have some chance of qualifying, however if they do not they might still attain Euro 2020 as theyre guaranteed a play-off place for winning their Nations League group.
If Russia, that will be eight points clear of Kazakhstan and Cyprus in third and fourth respectively, beat Scotland and also Kazakhstan draw Cyprus group I might be achieved 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 a lot to play for in Group J together with Finland, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Greece all still vying to finish in the eligibility places with Italy, whove won all their games up to now.
Roberto Mancinis side will qualify over Greece, that need all three points to remain in contention on Saturday with victory.
Finland, that have 12 points from their games so far, currently sit second in the group and are on track to earn their debut at a significant finals. But they face two games from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are five points behind Finland, and Armenia, who are third in the group, three factors behind the Finns.
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