Danny Welbeck: Set England on their way
After a long break since the last round of European Qualifiers, we assess the state of play for England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
The European Championships are looming large ahead of the latest round of vital qualification matches, and you can see whether the home nations and Republic of Ireland can do their chances of making a trip to France next summer a world of good by following our coverage on Sky Sports.
Forgotten where we are at after a busy few months of Premier League excitement? Here is an look at the story so far, upcoming clashes and who is in with a shout of booking a trip across the channel this summer.
ENGLAND
Wayne Rooney: Captain hoping to lead England to Euros
How have they done so far?
It has been pretty much plain sailing for Roy Hodgson’s men in their four matches so far. A Danny Welbeck brace saw England get off to a winning start in September in what seemed on paper to be their toughest test, away in Switzerland. They have since beaten San Marino 5-0, won 1-0 inEstonia and beaten Slovenia 3-1 at home. Top of the group with four wins and only one goal conceded... not bad.
Upcoming fixtures
Lithuania travel to Wembley for Friday’s qualifier, with England overwhelming favourites to make it five wins out of five. Next up is a tough trip to Slovenia in June followed by the seemingly simple task of a trip to take on minnows San Marino in September, and if England maintain their 100% record after those three encounters their place in next summer’s tournament will be all but secured with three games to go.
Off to France?
The odds would suggest so. Sky Bet have England as 1/10 to qualify as group winners.
SCOTLAND
Gordon Strachan: Turned Scotland fortunes around
How have they done so far?
Group D looks tough, but Scotland ran world champions Germany mightily close in their opener, eventually losing 2-1, before they managed a battling 2-2 draw against current group leaders Poland and notched two wins againstGeorgia and Republic of Ireland. After four games they are level on seven points with Germany and Republic of Ireland, three points behind Poland. Remember, third place could see Scotland reach their first major international tournament since 1998.
Upcoming fixtures
Gibraltar should be easily disposed of on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, but then comes arguably the Scots’ most crucial match in years, as they travel across the Irish Sea in June to take on Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland, knowing victory will put them in a fantastic position at the half-way stage.
Off to France?
Scotland are currently a long shot to win Group D (14/1 with Sky Bet), but are just 5/4 to qualify. The bookies reckon it's a race between them and the Irish.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
John O'Shea: Netted late leveller against Germany
How have they done so far?
Late goals have kept Ireland in with a fighting chance. A sublime Aiden McGeady last-gasp winner got Martin O’Neill’s men off to a positive start with a 2-1 victory in Georgia, which was followed by a 7-0 demolition of whipping boys Gibraltar. Another goal at the death from John O’Shea triggered delirium as the Republic snatched a 1-1 draw in Germany, but a 1-0 defeat against Scotland brought them back down to earth. They are currently fourth , level with Scotland and germany on seven points.
Upcoming fixtures
Group D leaders Poland represent a tough challenge for an injury-hit Ireland on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 5 and will be a real test of their qualification credentials in the Aviva Stadium before Scotland travel to the Emerald Isle for a crucial clash in June. Gibraltar and Georgia represent must-win encounters before Poland and Germany follow.
Off to France?
Sky Bet don't see Republic of Ireland winning the group - they are currently 14/1 - but with three places potentially up for grabs in Group D, they are just 11/8 to qualify.
WALES
Chris Coleman: Wales manager has overseen improvement
How have they done so far?
Not a great deal was expected from Wales after they put in such a poor showing in qualification for last summer’s World Cup, but an unbeaten start to their Euro 2016 qualification has brightened the mood. The pinnacle came when Chris Coleman’s men held Belgium to a 0-0 draw in November. Wins against Cyprus and Andorra plus a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovinahas seen Wales climb to second place, one point behind Israel.
Upcoming fixtures
Group leaders Israel are up next on Saturday live on Sky Sports 5, and will give a real indication as to whether or not Wales can surmount a serious challenge. Belgium travel to the Cardiff City Stadium in June in another serious test of their credentials.
Off to France?
They are in second place with almost a third of the qualification matches played, so they are in with a chance of finishing in one of the two automatic spots - or sealing qualification as one of the best third-place teams. Sky Bet say it's 6/4 we'll see them in France next summer.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland: In with a chance of qualifying
How have they done so far?
With three wins from four, Michael O’Neill has Northern Ireland dreaming of a Gallic adventure. Two of those wins have come away from home - againstHungary and Greece, which is even more surprising, with a 2-0 defeat inRomania the only blot on the copybook so far. Northern Ireland are in second place, one point behind Romania and two clear of Hungary.
Upcoming fixtures
Finland are up next on Saturday at Windsor Park, live on Sky Sports 5, before group leaders Romania also travel to Belfast in June. Positive results from the back-to-back home matches could keep them well in contention.
Off to France?
They remain third favourites to win Group F, according to Sky Bet - but third may well see them reach Euro 2016. They are currently 6/4 to qualify.
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