CaughtOffside previews the home nations upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers…
With the Euro 2016 qualification process stepping up over the next seven days, CaughtOffside takes a look at the chances of the home nations, who will all be anxious to build on encouraging starts and increase their chances of qualification for the tournament in France.
SEE MORE:
England 2018 World Cup – How the Three Lions could line-up in Russia
Luke Shaw Under 21s – Manchester United star needs time to develop
Jordan Henderson Goal – Watch superb strike in England training
England
After winning away at their primary rivals – Switzerland – in their opening match, the Three Lions have all but sealed qualification. With two teams automatically progressing from each group, Roy Hodgson’s side should have little trouble making progress. There is certainly nothing to fear from either San Marino or Estonia, although the latter did score a surprise victory over Slovenia last time out.
Northern Ireland
After scoring a highly creditable 2-1 victory over Hungary in their opening game, the Irish actually have a realistic chance of qualification from a group that does not include any of Europe’s ‘big hitters’. Top seeds Greece were beaten by Romania in their opening match, while Finland and the Faroe Islands make up the group. They should make it six points from six when they face the latter on Saturday, while a draw (or better) in Greece three days later will put them in a dream position.
Republic of Ireland
They had to work hard for their 2-1 win over minnows Georgia last time out, and they will need to improve if they are to progress from a group that also includes World Champions Germany and an improving Poland. Gibraltar should not prove a threat on Saturday, and they will hopefully be able to take confidence from having six points on the board quickly. The decisive game will come three days later, when they face neighbours Scotland.
Scotland
The Scot’s were extremely unlucky to be beaten 2-1 by Germany in the opening fixture of their group, and if they can recreate that performance they should have little trouble beating Georgia. They will need to be wary of the Georgian though, who pushed the Republic or Ireland all the way last time out. And it’s the Irish who they will play three days later – with a minimum of four points needed to realistically keep them in contention for qualification.
Wales
The Welsh will be hopeful of securing at least a playoff spot, despite the presence of World Cup qualifiers Belgium and Bosnia in their group. However, having edged minnow Andorra in their opening game, it’s only going to get tougher for them. They face the Bosnia on Friday, with Edin Dzeko’s side desperate to get back to winning ways after a shock defeat to Cyprus. Their second game of the international break is against World Cup quarter-finalists Belgium, who will prove a stern test. If they can pick up a couple of points that will be a huge success.
SEE ALSO: Best teenagers in world football