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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Sports and Fitness _ Euro 2020 Qualifying Thread

Posted by: Mack'sXmasSack 2nd December 2018, 12:11 PM





Group A: England, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Kosovo
Group B: Portugal, Ukraine, Serbia, Lithuania, Luxembourg
Group C: Netherlands, Germany, Northern Ireland, Estonia, Belarus
Group D: Switzerland, Denmark, Republic of Ireland, Georgia, Gibraltar
Group E: Croatia, Wales, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan
Group F: Spain, Sweden, Norway, Romania, Faroe Islands, Malta
Group G: Poland, Austria, Israel, Slovenia, Macedonia, Latvia
Group H: France, Iceland, Turkey, Albania, Moldova, Andorra
Group I: Belgium, Russia, Scotland, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, San Marino
Group J: Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Finland, Greece, Armenia, Liechtenstein

Schedule:
Matchday 1 21–23 March 2019
Matchday 2 24–26 March 2019
Matchday 3 7–8 June 2019
Matchday 4 10–11 June 2019
Matchday 5 5–7 September 2019
Matchday 6 8–10 September 2019
Matchday 7 10–12 October 2019
Matchday 8 13–15 October 2019
Matchday 9 14–16 November 2019
Matchday 10 17–19 November 2019


What do you make of the groups?

Posted by: Pigs in blankets 2nd December 2018, 12:49 PM

Considering we have Czech Republic that's not too bad, we should easily go through that group, unless we cock it up, the other countries are pretty much minnows.

Scotland could struggle, or might just scrape through, depends if Russia are having a bad day,
I can see Italy going through quite easily, that looks like the weakest group.

Posted by: Suedehead2 2nd December 2018, 01:02 PM

England and Scotland will both be in play-offs if they fail to get through the group as they won their Nations League groups.

Does anyone know what happens in the play-offs if all the teams from a Nations League group have already qualified? For example, there has to be a good chance that England, Spain and Croatia will all qualify automatically.

Posted by: Izzy Blizzard 2nd December 2018, 01:10 PM

QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Dec 2 2018, 01:02 PM) *
England and Scotland will both be in play-offs if they fail to get through the group as they won their Nations League groups.

Does anyone know what happens in the play-offs if all the teams from a Nations League group have already qualified? For example, there has to be a good chance that England, Spain and Croatia will all qualify automatically.


I think that, from how I'm understanding it, if the League A play-off tournament doesn't have enough, the next-best team from the league below gets moved up (although it can't be a group winner), so there will be at least 16 teams in the playoffs essentially just being the 16 best non-qualifiers (albeit with a guaranteed League D team to slip in as a wildcard) no matter what, its a bit of an unintuitive process but that seems sensible.

Posted by: Izzy Blizzard 2nd December 2018, 01:19 PM

So say Iceland and Poland are the only League A teams to miss out on qualifying, which is a perhaps unlikely but plausible outcome. Those 2 League A playoff spots have been filled but the other two groups need a replacement from below as all three of those teams qualified directly. From League B, Slovakia, Russia, Bosnia, Denmark and Northern Ireland haven't made it. Bosnia and Denmark were group winners so they can't be advanced to the Group A playoffs. Therefore, Russia and Slovakia get advanced to the League A playoff with Iceland and Poland, from which only one will qualify, and Northern Ireland get to stay with the more reasonable competition of Bosnia and Denmark, so they might be thankful at doing so badly, which is a bit weird but okay. Finally, the final League B spot is filled by a League C team that didn't qualify but also didn't win their Nations League group. Then League C provides a qualifier and League D provides a qualifier, and it's unlikely that they won't have enough teams for filling up their playoffs.

someone please correct me if that's wrong, it was 10 minutes of looking at the Wikipedia pages was all.

Posted by: Suedehead2 2nd December 2018, 01:29 PM

That seems fairly logical, although there is a definite touch of "making up the numbers" when League B runners-up (or even third placed teams) have to compete with League A teams.

Posted by: Steve201 2nd December 2018, 07:46 PM

Denmark AGAIN
Georgia AGAIN
Gibraltar AGAIN!!

Posted by: mdh 14th January 2019, 07:57 PM

Fantastic to think we'll probably be taking Hudson-Odoi, Kane, Rashford, Solanke, Foden, Sancho and Sterling to Euro 2020 - surely one of the best attacks in the tournament?

EDIT - and Reiss Nelson?

Posted by: Rooney 14th January 2019, 08:06 PM

QUOTE(mdh @ Jan 14 2019, 07:57 PM) *
Fantastic to think we'll probably be taking Hudson-Odoi, Kane, Rashford, Solanke, Foden, Sancho and Sterling to Euro 2020 - surely one of the best attacks in the tournament?

EDIT - and Reiss Nelson?


We need to qualify first!

Anyway, can't see all of those going, it's way too inexperienced and 3 of them don't even start regularly for their clubs. Of course a long way to go, but can't see them all going. What is good is we finally have good options when you think the likes of Lingard, Lallana (OK maybe at a stretch) and Oxlade-Chamberlain are all in and around too.

Posted by: Steve201 14th January 2019, 09:33 PM

Lallana will be 32 by then will he not?

Posted by: Rooney 14th January 2019, 10:00 PM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Jan 14 2019, 09:33 PM) *
Lallana will be 32 by then will he not?


Hardly old, but he does barely play anymore. I expect he will move on in the summer as he will want a crack at being in the squad. I just can't see Southgate taking all of the youngsters, I mean Foden doesn't even get a look in at City unless they're winning 3-0 or it's a dead rubber match.

Posted by: DJHazey 23rd January 2019, 07:03 PM

Group A: (7) England, (42) Czech Republic, (61) Bulgaria, (76) Montenegro, (55) Kosovo
Group B: (6) Portugal, (29) Ukraine, (24) Serbia, (149) Lithuania, (112) Luxembourg
Group C: (15) Netherlands, (9) Germany, (44) Northern Ireland, (109) Estonia, (96) Belarus
Group D: (13) Switzerland, (10) Denmark, (48) Republic of Ireland, (65) Georgia, (153) Gibraltar
Group E: (14) Croatia, (37) Wales, (34) Slovakia, (85) Hungary, (124) Azerbaijan
Group F: (3) Spain, (16) Sweden, (41) Norway, (33) Romania, (134) Faroe Islands, (162) Malta
Group G: (26) Poland, (32) Austria, (89) Israel, (92) Slovenia, (57) Macedonia, (148) Latvia
Group H: (4) France, (53) Iceland, (43) Turkey, (97) Albania, (143) Moldova, (152) Andorra
Group I: (2) Belgium, (36) Russia, (56) Scotland, (122) Cyprus, (127) Kazakhstan, (182) San Marino
Group J: (22) Italy, (20) Bosnia-Herzegovina, (73) Finland, (54) Greece, (100) Armenia, (161) Liechtenstein

Those are my world rankings above. Based on that I'd say England has one of the tougher groups based solely on the fact that no team is a cakewalk, especially on the road. They only need to place top 2 though, so I don't see an issue.

Posted by: Mack. 27th February 2019, 09:17 PM

Should be no issues with qualifying for England.

Posted by: Steve201 27th February 2019, 11:56 PM

Looking forward to the qualifiers in a few weeks! Heading to Dublin for the Georgia game!

Posted by: Mack. 28th February 2019, 12:02 AM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Feb 28 2019, 12:56 AM) *
Looking forward to the qualifiers in a few weeks! Heading to Dublin for the Georgia game!

Cool, how do you see Ireland doing in the qualifiers?I

Posted by: Steve201 28th February 2019, 12:30 AM

I really have absolutely no idea, be interesting to see what English players actually are recruited for us now Rice has said he's English all of a sudden. Bamford could be a good call. Hope Uncle Mick manages to stabilise things at least and bring in younger talent.

Hope we make it as I plan to use the fact I purchase a season ticket to get tickets for the actual euro games in Dublin which would be good!

Posted by: DJHazey 28th February 2019, 04:34 PM

Of all the groups, I would say a top-two of Switzerland and Denmark have the best chance to slip up over any other group, so at least Ireland has that going for it.

Posted by: Steve201 28th February 2019, 09:46 PM

Hopefully!

Posted by: Mack. 28th February 2019, 11:12 PM

How are Hungary 85th? They were only in the last Euros three years ago.

Posted by: DJHazey 1st March 2019, 01:35 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Feb 28 2019, 06:12 PM) *
How are Hungary 85th? They were only in the last Euros three years ago.


Oh they've been terrible in recent years, trust me. In 2016, during the EURO finals, I had them ranked somewhere in the 40s/50s for sure but consider what they've done since:

2016

vs. Faroe Islands - WC Qualifier - 0:0
vs. Switzerland - WC Qualifier - 2:3
vs. Latvia - WC Qualifier - 2:0
vs. Andorra - WC Qualifier - 4:0
vs. Sweden - Friendly - 0:2

2017

vs. Portugal - WC Qualifier - 0:3
vs. Russia - Friendly - 0:3
vs. Andorra - WC Qualifier - 0:1
vs. Latvia - WC Qualifier - 3:1
vs. Portugal - WC Qualifier - 0:1
vs. Switzerland - WC Qualifier - 2:5
vs. Faroe Islands - WC Qualifier - 1:0
vs. Luxembourg - Friendly - 1:2
vs. Costa Rica - Friendly - 1:0

2018

vs. Kazakhstan - Friendly - 2:3
vs. Scotland - Friendly - 0:1
vs. Belarus - Friendly - 1:1
vs. Australia - Friendly - 1:2
vs. Finland - UEFA Nations League - 0:1
vs. Greece - UEFA Nations League - 2:1
vs. Greece - UEFA Nations League - 0:1
vs. Estonia - UEFA nations League - 3:3
vs. Estonia - UEFA Nations League - 2:0
vs. Finland - UEFA Nations League - 2:0


This kind of resume is going to tank any team. They had a bit of a mini 'golden age' back in 2015-16, but went through a lot of changes since. I think they're last two Nations League results are showing they might have something in this EURO campaign but we'll see. I always root for them, Iceland, and Albania more than any other European nations teebs.

Posted by: Mack. 11th March 2019, 05:08 PM

^
Thanks for that information, DJHazey. Much appreciated.


England's home Euro 2020 qualifier against Kosovo on 10th September will be played away from Wembley.

Posted by: DJHazey 11th March 2019, 05:43 PM

No problem, I actually have them ranked much higher now, because that 85th ranking was before I had done the last update to the rankings.

Posted by: Mack. 13th March 2019, 02:31 PM

England squad for the Czech Republic and Montenegro matches:


Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), James Tarkowski (Burnley), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)

Posted by: Steve201 13th March 2019, 11:15 PM

Makes me sick seeing Rice tweeting how proud he is being in the England squad now!

Posted by: Mack. 18th March 2019, 05:05 PM

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been called up to the England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

The 24-year-old will join up with the squad on Monday after defender John Stones withdrew, along with midfielders Fabian Delph and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Ward-Prowse, 24, won his only senior cap for England in March 2017.

England host the Czechs on 22 March and are away in Montenegro on 25 March.

Manchester City centre-back Stones missed the FA Cup win over Swansea on Saturday with a groin injury, while Delph was substituted after 57 minutes of the match.

Posted by: Mack. 21st March 2019, 03:00 PM




A look at Scotland's squad for their opening match against Kazakhstan, kicking off now.

Posted by: Mack. 21st March 2019, 03:26 PM

And they are 2-0 down within 10 minutes of kicking off.


Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 21st March 2019, 03:29 PM

That's not great, not a good omen for the rest of their qualification group either considering the respective rankings of the two.

Posted by: DJHazey 21st March 2019, 04:55 PM

Kazakhstan routing Scotland 3-0, what a shocking result to kick things off!

Posted by: Mack. 21st March 2019, 04:58 PM

Certainly not the return that Alex McLeish wanted in his return as the Scotland manager.


Posted by: Mack. 22nd March 2019, 04:26 PM

This should be a game that England can win tonight providing they don't go back to same old England.


Posted by: Mack. 22nd March 2019, 09:23 PM

This has been a polished performance from England so far.

Posted by: dobbo 23rd March 2019, 12:03 AM

Not just the going far in a major tournament but actually comfortably winning qualifying matches we should be winning, comfortably. This really is a new England. Sterling is a player reborn.

Posted by: Mack. 23rd March 2019, 12:11 AM

It was a good performance from them, actually exciting to watch them for a change. Czech Republic certainly not the team they were back in Euro 2004.

Posted by: Rooney 23rd March 2019, 10:38 AM

The difference with England at the moment is I think the players actually believe they can do well and so does the crowd. Plus it probably helps the media aren't sticking their knives in all the time at the moment either with instigated a lot of the scacegoating with fans.

Posted by: Mack. 25th March 2019, 05:53 PM

How do you see this one going between Montenegro and England tonight?


Posted by: Steve201 25th March 2019, 07:13 PM

England win for me.

Heading to the Ireland game tomorrow night!

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 25th March 2019, 07:47 PM

Aaand we're off! It's England's to lose here but there's nothing saying they won't.

Posted by: Steve201 25th March 2019, 09:04 PM

Some goal from Danilo for Portugal - Ronaldo tore his hamstring though.

Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 25th March 2019, 09:56 PM

Great game against Montenegro, a 5-1 win, shame about the alleged racial abuse during the game.

Posted by: Suedehead2 25th March 2019, 10:21 PM

Two games, six points, ten goals. A great start for England.

Posted by: Mack. 25th March 2019, 11:15 PM

A brilliant performance from England. Shame yes about the racial abuse at Sterling, Rose and Hudson-Odoi but once again UEFA will just hand out a fine. No need for that at all in the game.

Posted by: Mack. 26th March 2019, 01:15 AM


Posted by: Mack. 26th March 2019, 04:17 PM

As expected, UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Montenegro.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47705811

Posted by: Steve201 27th March 2019, 02:22 AM

2 games 2 goals 6 points

Just back from a great game in Dublin, McCarthy the breath of fresh air we needed, finally are pressing and attacking properly tonight and the stadium was behind the team again!

Posted by: Mack. 27th March 2019, 04:31 PM

A look at the Euro 2020 mascot:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/89f6ad47-4f77-4e44-a139-f707973766ca


Not sure what that is meant to be.


Posted by: Mack. 18th April 2019, 02:28 PM

Alex McLeish has been sacked as head coach of Scotland, the Scottish FA has confirmed.

Posted by: Wall 18th April 2019, 02:34 PM

Thank you, next! biggrin.gif

I knew this appointment was going to work, I truly hope the Scottish SA splash the cash and bring in a big manager because the amount of pressure on the board is well deserved.

Posted by: Mack. 18th April 2019, 02:36 PM

Next Scotland Manager [betvictor]

Gordon Strachan 4-1f
David Moyes 5-1
Steve Clarke 5-1
Malky Mackay 7-1
Sam Allarydce 8-1
Derek McInnes 8-1
Neil Lennon 1-21
Craig Levein 14-1
Michael O'Neill 14-1
Alex Neil 16-1
Scot Gemmill 18-1
Paul Lambert 20-1
Ross Jack 20-1
Alan Pardew 25-1
Slaven Bilic 25-1
Joe Jordan 25-1
James McFadden 25-1
Steve Evens 25-1
Stuart McCall 25-1
Ally McCoist 25-1
Walter Smith 33-1
Peter Grant 33-1
Gary McAllister 33-1
Paul Heckingbottom 33-1
Graeme Souness 33-1


Who do you think will be the next Scotland manager?

Posted by: Wall 18th April 2019, 02:39 PM

Surely Gordon wouldn't come back? laugh.gif

Would rather have Steve Clarke but nobody from that list is to exciting!

Posted by: Mack. 18th April 2019, 03:19 PM

Got a feeling that Moyes would be interested as getting the Scotland role.


Posted by: Mack. 23rd April 2019, 03:02 PM

A shortlist of candidates to be the next Scotland manager is expected to be drawn up during a Scottish Football Association board meeting today.


Posted by: Mack. 26th April 2019, 10:35 PM

Montenegro have received a fine of 20,000 euros (£17,253) from Uefa and will play their next home game behind closed doors following the racist abuse of England players by supporters last month.

Posted by: Mack. 15th May 2019, 11:05 PM

The Scottish FA is poised to choose a new manager within the next 48 hours, with three candidates in the frame.

Kilmarnock's Steve Clarke and Scotland under-21 coach Scot Gemmill are joined by Aberdeen's Derek McInnes on the Scottish FA's shortlist.

Posted by: DJHazey 16th May 2019, 02:23 PM

The full June schedule:

Bold = highlight matchup as far as group standing is concerned.

6/7 - (42) Austria vs. (89) Slovenia
6/7 - (63) Czech Republic vs. (64) Bulgaria
6/7 - (11) Denmark vs. (46) Republic of Ireland
6/7 - (142) Faroe Islands vs. (4) Spain
6/7 - (60) Georgia vs. (164) Gibraltar
6/7 - (153) Latvia vs. (69) Israel
6/7 - (193) Lithuania vs. (115) Luxembourg
6/7 - (55) FYR Macedonia vs. (26) Poland
6/7 - (80) Montenegro vs. (45) Kosovo
6/7 - (41) Norway vs. (30) Romania
6/7 - (25) Sweden vs. (191) Malta
6/7 - (24) Ukraine vs. (22) Serbia
6/8 - (97) Armenia vs. (174) Liechtenstein
6/8 - (124) Azerbaijan vs. (85) Hungary
6/8 - (94) Belarus vs. (7) Germany
6/8 - (2) Belgium vs. (116) Kazakhstan
6/8 - (13) Croatia vs. (33) Wales
6/8 - (119) Estonia vs. (44) Northern Ireland
6/8 - (70) Finland vs. (27) Bosnia-Herzegovina
6/8 - (53) Greece vs. (18) Italy
6/8 - (81) Iceland vs. (122) Albania
6/8 - (154) Moldova vs. (159) Andorra
6/8 - (38) Russia vs. (194) San Marino
6/8 - (76) Scotland vs. (132) Cyprus
6/8 - (40) Turkey vs. (3) France
6/10 - (64) Bulgaria vs. (45) Kosovo
6/10 - (63) Czech Republic vs. (80) Montenegro
6/10 - (11) Denmark vs. (60) Georgia
6/10 - (142) Faroe Islands vs. (41) Norway
6/10 - (46) Republic of Ireland vs. (164) Gibraltar
6/10 - (153) Latvia vs. (89) Slovenia
6/10 - (55) FYR Macedonia vs. (42) Austria
6/10 - (191) Malta vs. (30) Romania
6/10 - (26) Poland vs. (69) Israel
6/10 - (22) Serbia vs. (193) Lithuania
6/10 - (4) Spain vs. (25) Sweden
6/10 - (24) Ukraine vs. (115) Luxembourg
6/11 - (122) Albania vs. (154) Moldova
6/11 - (159) Andorra vs. (3) France
6/11 - (124) Azerbaijan vs. (34) Slovakia
6/11 - (94) Belarus vs. (44) Northern Ireland
6/11 - (2) Belgium vs. (76) Scotland
6/11 - (7) Germany vs. (119) Estonia
6/11 - (53) Greece vs. (97) Armenia
6/11 - (85) Hungary vs. (33) Wales
6/11 - (81) Iceland vs. (40) Turkey
6/11 - (18) Italy vs. (27) Bosnia-Herzegovina
6/11 - (116) Kazakhstan vs. (194) San Marino
6/11 - (174) Liechtenstein vs. (70) Finland
6/11 - (38) Russia vs. (132) Cyprus

Posted by: Serhat Mack 16th May 2019, 10:05 PM

Thanks for this as always, DJHazey.

Posted by: Mack. 20th May 2019, 03:30 PM

Scotland have named former Kilmarnock boss, Steve Clarke as their new head coach.

Steve Clarke says he wants to "emulate the success" of the Scotland women's team after being named the country's new head coach.

The 55-year-old replaces Alex McLeish on a three-year deal a day on from guiding Kilmarnock to third in the Scottish Premiership.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd May 2019, 03:29 PM

Wales are set to be without Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu for the Euro 2020 qualifying double header against Croatia and Hungary next month.

Ramsey, who joins Juventus this summer, has not recovered from a hamstring injury he sustained in Arsenal's Europa League victory over Napoli in April.

Ampadu has a back injury suffered as Wales opened their campaign with a 1-0 win against Slovakia on 24 March.

Posted by: Rooney 22nd May 2019, 10:21 PM

Anyone going to try and get tickets for Euro 2020? Applications open in about 2-3 weeks.

Posted by: Steve201 22nd May 2019, 10:26 PM

I have an Ireland season ticket for Landsdown road which has 3 group games and a quarter final, I'm hoping that'll help me get to a non Ireland game, would be nice to see tournment football in the country I'm from!

Posted by: Mack. 3rd June 2019, 03:04 PM

Shane Long will miss the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2020 qualifiers against Denmark and Gibraltar with a hamstring injury.

The 32-year-old has pulled out of Mick McCarthy's squad after suffering the injury in training.

Posted by: Mack. 4th June 2019, 02:14 PM

Missed this a few days ago but Germany manager Joachim Low will miss their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Belarus and Estonia after suffering a "sporting injury".

The World Cup winner, 59, has a "contused artery" according to the German Football Association and needs treatment in hospital.

Assistant manager Marcus Sorg will take charge for the two matches.

Posted by: Steve201 7th June 2019, 08:51 PM

Great result for Ireland in Copenhagen tonight, a win at home to Gibraltar on Monday and in control of the group for the big games in sept!

Posted by: Mack. 11th June 2019, 02:47 PM

Last night's results

GROUP A
Bulgaria 2-3 Kosovo
Czech Republic 3-0 Montenegro

GROUP B
Serbia 4-1 Lithuania
Ukraine 1-0 Luxembourg

GROUP D
Denmark 5-1 Georgia
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Gibraltar

GROUP F
Faroe Islands 0-2 Norway
Malta 0-4 Romania
Spain 3-0 Sweden

GROUP G
Latvia 0-5 Slovenia
North Macedonia 1-4 Austria
Poland 4-0 Israel

Posted by: DJHazey 11th June 2019, 02:49 PM

Only "upset" there could be argued to be Kosovo but I'm not calling it one because frankly Kosovo is better than people think.

Too bad Luxembourg couldn't sneak a goal in there for a surprise draw, it would've really made the dream of their unlikely qualification more possible.

Posted by: Steve201 11th June 2019, 08:28 PM

Is there a Macedonia and a North Macedonia now?

Posted by: Mack. 11th June 2019, 08:40 PM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Jun 11 2019, 09:28 PM) *
Is there a Macedonia and a North Macedonia now?

From the 14th February this year, Macedonia is now known as North Macedonia.

Posted by: Steve201 11th June 2019, 08:58 PM

I see, I know there was trouble with Greece but must check it all out!

Posted by: Mack. 11th June 2019, 11:25 PM

Another solid win for Northern Ireland, their fourth win in a row in the qualifiers against Belarus.


Posted by: DJHazey 12th June 2019, 01:38 PM

Turkey romps France 2-0 on their home turf and turns around to lose away to Iceland. So this shows Iceland aren't dead quite yet.

Greece dismantled by Italy at home, then lose one to Armenia three days later at home, that spells doom for their World Cup chances.

Posted by: Mack. 12th June 2019, 01:49 PM

Finland have somewhat of a unlikely chance of qualifying if they can maintain their results.

Posted by: LewisGT 12th June 2019, 02:53 PM

Just for fun, this is how qualification/play-offs would look if the groups remained the same

Qualified
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Israel
Italy
Luxembourg
Northern Ireland
Poland
Republic of Ireland
Russia
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine



Play-Offs

A)
Portugal vs Croatia
Netherlands vs Switzerland

B)
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Romania
Austria vs Wales

C)
Scotland vs Bulgaria
Norway vs Serbia

D)
Georgia vs Belarus
North Macedonia vs Kosovo

Posted by: DJHazey 12th June 2019, 03:37 PM

Group A - England have this in the bag, but what will be fun are the two matches yet to be played between Czech Republic and Kosovo which will decide the second slot.

Group B - Ukraine is pretty much in. Luxembourg only has points against Lithuania so realistically they're out and it really comes between Serbia and Portugal. I give the edge to Serbia since they already have a draw in Portugal.

Group C - Let's pump the brakes on crowning Northern Ireland, since they've only played Estonia and Belarus. Netherlands on the other hand have only played two matches.

Group D - Ireland have set themselves up but still have a few tough matches left. Denmark did themselves well with that wild 3-3 draw in Switzerland, but the Swiss have an additional game left to be played.

Group E - Hungary got two key home wins but they're in a tough group and only have one Azerbaijan game left as an 'easy' win. Wales are in some trouble unless they get some big wins in the fall. Slovakia and Croatia seem to be the ones to watch for qualification if you ask me.

Group F - Spain and then it's between Sweden and Romania. Norway would've been in this discussion but getting only a draw at home versus those two hurts.

Group G - It will be Poland and hopefully Israel who still have a return trip to Austria after beating them at home. Slovenia could still be a sneaky threat since they have four home matches remaining.

Group H - The most competitive group so far. France have the softest schedule though or so it would seem. Iceland still have to go to Turkey but I would say all of their remaining matches are winnable, even the home match versus France. We'll see though. I'd put my money on France/Turkey.

Group I - Clearly Belgium and Russia.

Group J - Clearly Italy and Finland.

Posted by: Mack. 4th September 2019, 08:28 AM

England squad for Kosovo and Bulgaria

Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton (Aston Villa), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Leicester), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool), Declan Rice (West Ham), Harry Winks (Tottenham)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)

My 30,000th post.

Posted by: Steve201 4th September 2019, 09:51 PM

Looking forward to heading to the Ireland Switzerland game tomorrow evening!

Posted by: Steve201 6th September 2019, 11:19 AM

That McGoldrick equaliser was unreal last night, still buzzing!!

Posted by: Mack. 6th September 2019, 11:03 PM

Wales quite fortunate to win against Azerbaijan tonight. Scotland's hopes look all but over after that defeat to Russia.


Posted by: Mack. 7th September 2019, 05:07 PM

So a Kane brace for England against Bulgaria after 50 minutes from a goalkeeper mistake and a penalty.

Posted by: Mack. 7th September 2019, 05:22 PM


Posted by: Suedehead2 7th September 2019, 05:50 PM

A very comfortable win for England this evening.

Posted by: LewisGT 7th September 2019, 08:58 PM

After the conclusion of Match Day 5 we are now halfway through qualification.

Here's how the qualification looks at this stage...

Qualified
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
England
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Kosovo
Northern Ireland
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine


Play-Offs

A)
Netherlands vs Israel
Switzerland vs Iceland

B)
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Slovakia
Wales vs Czech Republic

C)
Scotland vs Bulgaria
Norway vs Serbia

D)
Georgia vs Luxembourg
North Macedonia vs Belarus

Posted by: Steve201 9th September 2019, 09:31 AM

How do they playoffs work?

Posted by: LewisGT 9th September 2019, 12:23 PM

QUOTE(Steve201 @ Sep 9 2019, 10:31 AM) *
How do they playoffs work?


One team from each play-off league (A, B, C & D) will qualify. The ties I posted above will be 1-legged semi-finals. The winners will then play each other in the final to see who qualifies.

Posted by: Mack. 10th September 2019, 06:50 PM

Thanks for this, Lewis.

Bad error from Keane for Kosovo to score after 37 seconds.

Posted by: Mack. 10th September 2019, 06:53 PM

Some redemption for Michael Keane as he sets up Sterling to equalise.

Posted by: Mack. 10th September 2019, 07:09 PM

And now Harry Kane has as many goals as Bryon Robson on the all-time England goalscorer list with 26 goals.

2-1 now to England.

Posted by: Mack. 10th September 2019, 07:24 PM

What was that own goal there from Kosovo to make it 3-1 to England?

Posted by: Mack. 10th September 2019, 07:32 PM

Sancho scoring for fun with a quick-fire double. Now 5-1 to England.

Posted by: dobbo 10th September 2019, 08:00 PM

Keane & Maguire having a shocker tonight. As good as our forward players are we'll get absolutely ripped to shreds by any half decent team with our current defence (+ midfield).

Posted by: Mack. 10th September 2019, 08:02 PM

Certainly one of the entertaining England games. It's been.

Posted by: Rooney 10th September 2019, 10:40 PM

QUOTE(dobbo @ Sep 10 2019, 09:00 PM) *
Keane & Maguire having a shocker tonight. As good as our forward players are we'll get absolutely ripped to shreds by any half decent team with our current defence (+ midfield).


Keane-Maguire-Rice as a back line 3 (if the full backs push on which it looks like Southgate is a fan of) is not good enough. Maguire was hopeless tonight, Keane is not a top level centre back and Rice has a long way to go yet. Some really basic errors which we need to cut out if we are going to trouble the Euros.

Posted by: Steve201 10th September 2019, 11:03 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Sep 9 2019, 01:23 PM) *
One team from each play-off league (A, B, C & D) will qualify. The ties I posted above will be 1-legged semi-finals. The winners will then play each other in the final to see who qualifies.


Thanks Lewis, complex system!

Posted by: Doctor Blind 10th September 2019, 11:11 PM

I only saw the second half, wish I hadn't have bothered - abysmal.

Posted by: Houdini 10th September 2019, 11:17 PM

I didn't watch the match but that is some achievement for Kosovo to score 3 goals against England, on another day they could have beaten England.

Posted by: Steve201 11th September 2019, 09:54 AM

Kosovo are a small country but they are always going to be technically good in that part of the world. Just shows when England play a decent team in the last 16 next summer they will struggle imo.

Posted by: LewisGT 11th September 2019, 11:54 AM

After Matchday 6

Qualified
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Finland
France
Germany
Italy
Northern Ireland
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Russia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine


Play-Offs

A)
Netherlands vs Hungary
Switzerland vs Iceland

B)
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Israel
Austria vs Wales

C)
Scotland vs Bulgaria
Norway vs Serbia

D)
Georgia vs Belarus
North Macedonia vs Kosovo


England will be officialy qualified with 3 games spare if we beat Czech Republic in our next match next month. Unfortunately Andorra & San Marino are officially knocked out of Euro 2020.

Posted by: Mack. 14th September 2019, 09:23 AM

Four goals for Ronaldo on Tuesday night in Portugal's thumping win. That takes him to 93 international goals, 16 behind the world record of Iranian Ali Daei.

Posted by: Mack. 3rd October 2019, 04:23 PM

England squad for Czech Republic and Bulgaria

Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton (Aston Villa), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Leicester), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Harry Winks (Tottenham)

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)

Posted by: Mack. 7th October 2019, 03:46 PM

Fabian Delph has withdrawn from the England squad and will miss the Euro 2020 qualifiers in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.

Delph, 29, picked up a hamstring injury during Everton's 1-0 Premier League loss at Burnley on Saturday.

A statement from the Football Association said "no further replacements are planned at this moment".

Posted by: Mack. 8th October 2019, 10:29 PM

Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been called up to the full England squad for the first time to replace the injured Tom Heaton.

Posted by: Mack. 10th October 2019, 04:04 PM

James Maddison has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers because of illness.

The 22-year-old, who has yet to make his senior Three Lions debut, will not be replaced in Gareth Southgate's 23-man squad.

Posted by: LewisGT 10th October 2019, 08:43 PM

Heartbreaking for Northern Ireland that. 2 games in a row now where they really did not deserve to lose.


We also have our first team qualified for Euro 2020. Belgium are there after tonight's 9-0 win over San Marino.

Posted by: Houdini 10th October 2019, 09:02 PM

Belgium will have a very good chance of winning Euro 2020 in my opinion, they would probably be my favourites at the moment. I somehow get the feeling that France wont do what they did 20 years ago and follow up winning the World Cup by becoming European champions.

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2019, 05:58 PM


Posted by: Steve201 11th October 2019, 06:15 PM

QUOTE(Houdini @ Oct 10 2019, 10:02 PM) *
Belgium will have a very good chance of winning Euro 2020 in my opinion, they would probably be my favourites at the moment. I somehow get the feeling that France wont do what they did 20 years ago and follow up winning the World Cup by becoming European champions.


Wouldn't be a bad guess. Belgium haven't won anything before internationally which for me always makes it a lot more difficult for a team to get that winning mentality!

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2019, 06:51 PM

And already England are ahead within 5 minutes to a Kane penalty. I think Sterling made the most from when he was fouled.

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2019, 06:57 PM

Guess who's back, England's defence creaking with Czech Republic equalizing.

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2019, 07:30 PM

So far the only thing that’s been good for England in the first half is the travelling supporters!

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2019, 08:04 PM

How has Gareth not substituted anyone yet?

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2019, 08:28 PM

My word this England defence is bad. Czechs absolutely deserve this. A shocker all over the park.

Posted by: Mack. 11th October 2019, 08:38 PM

England lose a qualifier for the first time in 10 years.

Posted by: LewisGT 11th October 2019, 08:40 PM

My god that was awful.

Henderson, Rose, Keane & Trippier all dropping 0/10’s. And that’s being generous in Rose’s case.

Mount, Rice & Sancho were all also bad.

Posted by: Rooney 11th October 2019, 08:53 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Oct 11 2019, 09:40 PM) *
My god that was awful.

Henderson, Rose, Keane & Trippier all dropping 0/10’s. And that’s being generous in Rose’s case.

Mount, Rice & Sancho were all also bad.


The whole team was awful, the backline is genuinely awful however. Keane is not an international player, Maguire is horrendously overrated, Trippier is not as good as Trent and Rose just looks beaten.

Czech Republic were better all over the pitch, they deserve the 3 points. Far too many players in this team that are either flavour of the month (Rice, Mount) or just playing cos they have always played (Rose, Pickford, Kane, Maguire). The warning signs were there in the last qualifiers, think Southgate needs to freshen something up as there's a real naiveness about the team.

Posted by: dobbo 12th October 2019, 02:36 AM

England are complete garbage, that's nothing new. Their 2 first choice centre backs are fighting relegation this season, does anything else need to be said?

Posted by: Mack. 12th October 2019, 01:10 PM

Andorra's 21-year wait for a first European Championship qualifying win is over after they defeated Moldova to move off the bottom of Group H.

Andorra had lost all 56 of their previous European qualifying matches since contesting their first against Armenia on 5 September 1998.

But Marc Vales' 63rd-minute header was enough to deliver just his nation's third competitive victory in 23 years.

Posted by: Steve201 12th October 2019, 01:20 PM

Saw that, Ronaldo scored a cracker for Portugal too, his 699th of his career!

Posted by: LewisGT 12th October 2019, 10:01 PM

After Matchday 7

Qualified - Bold = Guaranteed
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Finland
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Republic Of Ireland
Russia
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine


Play-Offs - UEFA have decided to make the play-offs even more complicated so there will be a draw to deterime what group some teams are in. This is what the confirmed groups would be so far.

A)
Iceland
Switzerland

B)
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Northern Ireland
Wales

C)
Bulgaria
Norway
Scotland
Serbia

D)
Belarus
Georgia
Kosovo
North Macedonia

A or B)
Hungary
Israel
Romania


Italy's qualification means that they will be involved in the tournaments opening game in Rome.

Lithuania, Estonia, Gibraltar, Malta, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Moldova, Kazakshtan & Liechtenstein join San Marino & Andorra in officialy being eliminated.

Posted by: Suedehead2 13th October 2019, 03:15 PM

How very unlike UEFA to change the rules half way through laugh.gif

Posted by: dobbo 13th October 2019, 05:35 PM

Scotland have found their level!

Posted by: Steve201 13th October 2019, 09:49 PM

That Wales Croatia game was the best of the week so far for me, highly competitive and two great goals. Croatia should have had a man red carded too imo!

Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 06:56 PM


Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 06:58 PM


Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 07:07 PM

Barkley goal and assist who would’ve thought that.

Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 07:15 PM

The England / Bulgaria game brought to a halt due to racist booing.

Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 07:21 PM

And a third goal for England with another Barkley goal.

Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 07:30 PM

This is a sad scene to see. Players now off the pitch.

Posted by: Brett-Butler 14th October 2019, 07:32 PM

Yes, that behaviour is just not on. Can't imagine what it's like to be the victim of such unwarranted abuse.

Posted by: Suedehead2 14th October 2019, 07:35 PM

The ITV commentator has come close to calling the Italian UEFA official racist just because his country has a poor record of tackling the issue. That claim sounds a little racist to me.

Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 07:41 PM

Disgusting behaviour tonight from racists. I think the game may not finish. I just hope we don't get crowd trouble as well. One step way from an abandonment. Could still hear booing after the second time the game stopped.

Posted by: Rooney 14th October 2019, 08:09 PM

So sad isn’t it, it just gives football a bad reputation. I can’t believe there were Nazi salutes there as well. I mean make no mistake about it, I still think there is a problem with racism in the UK too. However the difference is I think this is a small minority compared to the Ultras...

Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 08:16 PM




Posted by: Steve201 14th October 2019, 09:17 PM

I missed the games tonight - what happened?

Posted by: dobbo 14th October 2019, 09:34 PM

Worst bit is everyone knows nothing will be done about it. All the footballing bodies collectively have no backbone...

Posted by: Mack. 14th October 2019, 09:37 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Oct 14 2019, 09:16 PM) *

I wonder what he thinks now....

Posted by: Rooney 14th October 2019, 10:29 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Oct 14 2019, 10:37 PM) *
I wonder what he thinks now....


It was a ridiculous comment to make. Rightly he points out England has a problem but to say our problem is far worse just shows a complete lack of understanding of the issues Football is facing.

Posted by: Suedehead2 15th October 2019, 11:08 AM

QUOTE(Rooney @ Oct 14 2019, 11:29 PM) *
It was a ridiculous comment to make. Rightly he points out England has a problem but to say our problem is far worse just shows a complete lack of understanding of the issues Football is facing.

He even said it hadn’t been a problem before, conveniently overlooking the fact that parts of the ground were closed because of previous incidents of racist chanting.

Posted by: LewisGT 15th October 2019, 02:08 PM



Good riddance. Could do with the manager joining him.

Posted by: LewisGT 15th October 2019, 09:50 PM

After Matchday 8

Qualified - Bold = Guaranteed
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
England
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Russia
Spain

Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine


Play-Offs

A)
Iceland
Switzerland

B)
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Northern Ireland
Slovakia
Wales

C)
Norway
Scotland
Serbia

D)
Belarus
Georgia
Kosovo
North Macedonia

A or C)
Bulgaria
Israel
Romania

Poland, Spain & Ukraine confirm their place at Euro 2020.

Montenegro, Albania & Cyprus are all officially eliminated.

Posted by: Mack. 16th October 2019, 11:24 PM

Bulgarian police have identified 15 fans they suspect are responsible for subjecting black England players to racist abuse and arrested six of them.

The nine not arrested are under police investigation, with three wanted.

Posted by: LewisGT 18th October 2019, 04:51 PM

Good riddance x2


Posted by: Mack. 29th October 2019, 03:26 PM

Bulgaria have been ordered to play two matches behind closed doors - one suspended for two years - for their fans' racist abuse of England players in a Euro 2020 qualifier.

England's 6-0 win in Sofia was stopped twice and could have been abandoned, but the visitors chose to play on.

The hosts already had a partial stadium closure for that match on October 15 because of previous racist behaviour.

Bulgaria have also been fined 75,000 euros (£65,000) by Uefa.

Posted by: Steve201 29th October 2019, 06:54 PM

Thats a joke!

Posted by: dobbo 29th October 2019, 09:31 PM

Yeah definitely gives the impression that's the worst punishment they're ever likely to hand out. Like, how bad does it have to get for them to actually impose an actual punishment rolleyes.gif

Posted by: DJHazey 30th October 2019, 01:01 PM

I would've banned them from participating in the next EURO qualifying.

Posted by: Steve201 30th October 2019, 06:23 PM

Same here!

Posted by: Mack. 7th November 2019, 03:28 PM

England squad for the Montenegro and Kosvo matches:

Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton (Aston Villa), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Leicester), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Danny Rose (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester City), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool), Declan Rice (West Ham), Harry Winks (Tottenham)

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Chelsea), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth)

Posted by: LewisGT 12th November 2019, 12:20 AM

Raheem Sterling has been dropped from the England squad for Thursday‘s game against Montenegro after a bust-up with Joe Gomez.

Shame because I’m going to that match and would like to see the best team available and he’s been great in an England shirt during this qualifying campaign.

Posted by: Mack. 12th November 2019, 12:46 AM

Apparently he tried to grab Joe Gomez by the neck in the canteen. He apologised hence why he hasn't been dropped for the Kosovo match. They clashed quite a bit in the match didn't they. Sterling lucky not to be axed altogether.

Posted by: Mack. 12th November 2019, 01:18 AM

View this post on Instagram

Posted by: Mack. 13th November 2019, 11:58 PM

So Gomez has a scratch on his face following the clash with Sterling.

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 07:34 PM


Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 07:57 PM

Oxlade-Chamberlain gets the opening goal, his first England goal since June 2017. Good to see him back on the team.

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 08:08 PM

A bit too easy for the second goal there for England with the Kane header.

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 08:15 PM

Now four up with half an hour gone.

Posted by: Suedehead2 14th November 2019, 08:16 PM

This game is getting embarrassing.

Posted by: common sense 14th November 2019, 08:17 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Nov 14 2019, 08:15 PM) *
Now four up with half an hour gone.



Well we expected a goal-fest tonight. smile.gif

Posted by: Suedehead2 14th November 2019, 08:20 PM

Elsewhere, France are 1-0 down at home to Moldova.

EDIT: They've just equalised.

Posted by: Mart!n 14th November 2019, 08:24 PM

Is it really worth watching this, its not as if England are been tested, 5-0 up already, and probably another 5 by the end of the match laugh.gif

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 08:26 PM

Make that 5-0 to England, and Harry Kane has got a hat-trick. This could be either be embarrassing. Or maybe a similar game to the Kosovo one when England's defence frailties show up.

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 08:57 PM

Having not scored a single goal in away competitive matches since September 2010 (26 games), Andorra have scored 2 goals in 30 minutes in Albania this evening

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 09:03 PM

All gone a bit flat now during the second half.

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 09:08 PM

Dearie me.... That was a comedy of errors for the own goal for Montenegro. First time since 2009 we have scored 6 at Wembley.

Posted by: Mack. 14th November 2019, 09:31 PM

Tammy Abraham scores his first senior international goal to make it 7-0 to England. Joe Gomez booed by some when he came on as a substitute, weren't his fault.

Posted by: Rooney 14th November 2019, 09:50 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Nov 14 2019, 09:31 PM) *
Tammy Abraham scores his first senior international goal to make it 7-0 to England. Joe Gomez booed by some when he came on as a substitute, weren't his fault.


Same idiots that probably booed Sterling and knocked his confidence ten-fold in 2016 laugh.gif Fans can be morons.

Posted by: Mack. 15th November 2019, 08:30 PM

Fantastic news to hear that Finland have qualified for their first international tournament by beating Liechtenstein 3-0.




Posted by: Tones and Iz 16th November 2019, 05:01 AM

Good on Finland! Was getting long overdue for them having never made it to anything before.

Posted by: LewisGT 16th November 2019, 10:44 PM

Penultimate one of this:

After Matchday 9

Qualified - Bold = Guaranteed
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine


Play-Offs

A)
Iceland

B)
Bosnia & Herzegovina

C)
Norway
Scotland
Serbia

D)
Belarus
Georgia
Kosovo
North Macedonia

A or B)
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Slovakia
Wales

A or C)
Bulgaria
Israel
Romania


Group D qualifying is indeed confirmed so the ties will be:

Georgia vs Belarus
North Macedonia vs Kosovo

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 04:59 PM




Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 05:11 PM

Kosovo creating all the opportunities so far with a big header...still not much at the other end of the field from England!

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 05:27 PM

GROUP B results:
Luxembourg 0-2 Portugal (Portugal qualify)
Serbia 2-2 Ukraine


17 Qualifiers now:
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
England
Finland
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 05:36 PM

Well that was a weird goal wasnt it but yeah, go on then. Well done Winks.

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 06:23 PM

If we’re struggling against a solid Kosovo team then what. Not the greatest match to watch.

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 06:30 PM

Really wouldn’t begrudge Kosovo an equaliser here. They’re a breath of fresh air.

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 06:37 PM

Harry Kane becomes the first England player to score in every match in a qualification campaign.

Posted by: Mack. 17th November 2019, 06:42 PM

Beautiful finish by Marcus Rashford, lovely vision to make it 3-0 to England.

Posted by: dobbo 17th November 2019, 07:20 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Nov 17 2019, 06:37 PM) *
Harry Kane becomes the first England player to score in every match in a qualification campaign.


That's an impressive achievement regardless of the opposition actually!

Posted by: N-S 18th November 2019, 12:44 PM

Funny how Czech Republic has qualified to every EURO since the splitting of Czechoslovakia but they've only qualified to one World Cup (2006).

Belgium broke the World Cup bronze curse by being the first European team (other than Germany) to place third in a World Cup and to qualify to the next EURO.

Posted by: Steve201 18th November 2019, 11:44 PM

Bitterly disappointed as I head home from Dublin tonight, better team just have no natural goalscorer!

Posted by: Mack. 19th November 2019, 12:05 AM

QUOTE(N-S @ Nov 18 2019, 01:44 PM) *
Funny how Czech Republic has qualified to every EURO since the splitting of Czechoslovakia but they've only qualified to one World Cup (2006).

Belgium broke the World Cup bronze curse by being the first European team (other than Germany) to place third in a World Cup and to qualify to the next EURO.

That's a great stat there, N-S.


Posted by: PeteFromLeeds 19th November 2019, 05:46 PM

Caught a bit of the Wales - Azerbaijan game, did seem like Wales had most of the chances but a good game regardless. Let's hope they can make it in as well!

Posted by: LewisGT 19th November 2019, 10:46 PM

Here is how the teams will be ranked going in to the draw a week on Saturday.

Pot A - Every team is already assigned a group as Ukraine cannot be placed with Russia and 4 of the other 5 are hosts countries.
Belgium (Group B)
England (Group D)
Germany (Group F)
Italy (Group A)
Spain (Group E)
Ukraine (Group C)


Pot B
Croatia
France
Netherlands (Group C)
Poland
Russia (Group B)
Switzerland


Pot C
Austria
Czech Republic
Denmark (Group B)
Portugal
Sweden
Turkey


Pot D
Finland
Wales
Play-off Winners A
Play-Off Winners B (Group E)
Play-Off Winners C
Play-Off Winners D



Play-Offs

A)
Iceland vs ?
? vs ?

B) Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Northern Ireland
Slovakia vs Republic of Ireland

C)
Scotland vs ?
Norway vs Serbia

D)
Georgia vs Belarus
North Macedonia vs Kosovo


A draw will be made on Friday to see which 3 teams will go in Play-Off A and which team will play Scotland in Play-Off C between Bulgaria, Hungary, Israel & Romania.


If Romania win they will go into Group C with Ukraine & Netherlands.
If Scotland win they will go into group D with England.
If Hungary win they will go into Group F with Germany.


Posted by: Mack. 20th November 2019, 04:31 PM

Thanks for doing this, Lewis. And also thanks DJHazey for putting the fixtures. It is very much appreciated.

Good to see Wales qualify for the finals again.

Just to ask how are the reigning champions in Pool C?


Posted by: LewisGT 22nd November 2019, 11:20 AM

Play-offs now confirmed.

A)
Iceland vs Romania
Bulgaria vs Hungary

Winner of Bulgaria/Hungary to host final.

B)
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Northern Ireland
Slovakia vs Republic of Ireland

Winner of Bosnia/N. Ireland to host final.

C)
Scotland vs Israel
Norway vs Serbia

Winner of Norway/Serbia to host final.

D)
Georgia vs Belarus
North Macedonia vs Kosovo

Winner of Georgia/Belarus to host final.

Posted by: N-S 22nd November 2019, 12:06 PM

QUOTE(Mack. @ Nov 20 2019, 04:31 PM) *
Just to ask how are the reigning champions in Pool C?


The pots were arranged according to this qualifying round:
Pot A - The best six group winners
Pot B - The four worst group winners and the two best runners-up
Pot C - The six following best runners-up
Pot D - The two worst runners-up and playoff winners

Since, despite being the current titleholders, Portugal were the runner-up in their qualification group (behind Ukraine) and there two runners-up with better results (Netherlands and Russia), they are allocated in Pot C.

Posted by: Mack. 22nd November 2019, 02:58 PM

All right thanks for explaining, N-S.

Posted by: Steve201 22nd November 2019, 03:40 PM

So if both Irelands win their respective semi finals I will have to go to Windsor park to support irelabd. I'd say UEFA refs will stop that scenario lol.

Posted by: DJHazey 22nd November 2019, 06:02 PM

I liked Iceland's chances until the prospect of playing in Budapest (which is a very similar situation to the game in Elbasan, Albania a very loud passionate fanbase and Iceland melted 2-4). But I believe Bulgaria's matches will be played in a closed stadium, so I'd prefer that matchup in the final though Hungary is another team I support.

Posted by: dobbo 22nd November 2019, 10:44 PM

The hell does this qualifying make any sense whatsoever...

Posted by: Steve201 23rd November 2019, 03:00 AM

It's because of the nations league format making it more complicated.

Posted by: Mart!n 29th November 2019, 10:51 PM

The draw is on tomorrow evening on BBC2 5pm to 6:30pm

Posted by: LewisGT 30th November 2019, 12:18 PM

I can’t wait for the draw to see who England are going to play in the game I’ve got a ticket for.

I’m not sure if I want it to be France or Portugal so it’s a good game or someone like Turkey so we’re going to win thinking.gif

Posted by: Mart!n 30th November 2019, 05:36 PM

Interesting....

The host nations should have been in position 1

Posted by: Mart!n 30th November 2019, 05:48 PM

Group F group of death ohmy.gif

Posted by: DJHazey 2nd December 2019, 04:18 PM

Playoff predictions:

Path A

Iceland 2:1 Romania
Bulgaria 2:0 Hungary

Bulgaria 3:2 Iceland

Path B

Bosnia-Herzegovina 2:0 Northern Ireland
Slovakia 1:1 Republic of Ireland (Ireland wins on penalties)

Republic of Ireland 2:1 Bosnia-Herzegovina

Path C

Scotland 2:0 Israel
Norway 2:0 Serbia

Norway 2:1 Scotland

Path D

Georgia 1:0 Belarus
North Macedonia 1:3 Kosovo

Kosovo 1:0 Georgia


Group C - Kosovo
Group D - Norway
Group E - Republic of Ireland
Group F - Bulgaria

Posted by: Mack. 24th March 2020, 12:14 AM

Well we will know the final four places to qualify in 2021 in Euro 2021.

Posted by: Mack. 🐠 22nd April 2020, 04:36 PM

Michael O'Neill has permanently left his role as Northern Ireland manager after eight years in charge.

O'Neill was set to lead Northern Ireland into March's postponed Euros qualifier with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

However with Uefa proposing to reschedule the game in the autumn, the 50-year-old will now solely focus on his job as Stoke City manager.

"I feel it is only fair that now is the right time for me to step aside," said O'Neill.

Posted by: Mack. 7th October 2020, 05:37 PM

Stuart Armstrong, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie will all miss Scotland's Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Israel on Thursday after the former tested positive for Covid-19.

Posted by: Mack. 8th October 2020, 08:46 PM


Posted by: King Rollo 8th October 2020, 09:08 PM

We might have three simultaneous penalty shoot outs involving Scotland,Northern Ireland and Republic Of Ireland.

Posted by: Mack. 8th October 2020, 10:00 PM

QUOTE(King Rollo @ Oct 8 2020, 10:08 PM) *
We might have three simultaneous penalty shoot outs involving Scotland,Northern Ireland and Republic Of Ireland.

We had the three simultaneous penalty shoot outs, sadly not to be for Republic of Ireland.

Posted by: King Rollo 8th October 2020, 10:10 PM

Ireland's matches are always low scoring and they're quite a boring team to watch but it's still a shame to see them fail to qualify.

Posted by: Mack. 8th October 2020, 10:19 PM

Hungary v Iceland
Northern Ireland v Slovakia
Serbia v Scotland
Georgia v North Macedonia

Another guaranteed debutant between Georgia and North Macedonia.

Posted by: Steve201 8th October 2020, 10:39 PM

F**k that is all I can muster

Posted by: Dobbo 9th October 2020, 10:23 AM

Scotland have come along way since losing 3-0 to Kazakh farmers!

Posted by: Mack. 7th November 2020, 02:24 PM

That's good news to hear:


https://www.skysports.com/football/news/19692/12126185/sky-sports-make-scotland-and-northern-ireland-euro-2020-play-off-finals-available-free-to-air

Posted by: LewisGT 12th November 2020, 06:56 PM

North Macedonia have qualified for Euro 2020 after winning 1-0 away at Georgia.

They will kick off on Sunday 13th June against Austria. They will be joined in the group by Netherlands & Ukraine.

Posted by: Mack. 12th November 2020, 08:01 PM

Plenty of channel hopping tonight with both Scotland and Northern Ireland playing. Hoping both can make it.

Posted by: Mack. 12th November 2020, 08:05 PM

Slovakia have taken the lead at Windsor Park through Juraj Kucka.

Northern Ireland 0-1 Slovakia

Posted by: LewisGT 12th November 2020, 10:24 PM

Scotland have qualified ohmy.gif

Northern Ireland have unfortunately been knocked out.

Posted by: Mack. 12th November 2020, 10:29 PM

Blimey, that was some penalty shootout. England and Scotland in the same group.

Posted by: King Rollo 12th November 2020, 10:30 PM

I chose to watch the Scotland match tonight so I'm pleased to see them qualify.

I thought they'd blown it after conceding that 90th minute equalizer.

Posted by: Quarantilas 12th November 2020, 10:41 PM

Howling at Sturgeon finding an appropriate celebration gif





First time since ‘98 the men’s team has been in a real tournament

Posted by: Houdini 12th November 2020, 11:01 PM

Great achievement for Scotland and unlucky for Northern Ireland. It's hard to know how to feel about this tournament because there's no guarantee that it will actually take place (unless if it's been announced that it will certainly take place).

Posted by: Wall 12th November 2020, 11:53 PM

cheer.gif

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