Due to recent events around the world, the 2020 European Championships were delayed for 12 months, meaning we are set for a sensational 18 months of first-class football.
The majority of the groups are already decided for next summer’s tournament with the ‘big boys’ already allocated their groups.
Italy, Switzerland, Turkey and Wales have been drawn in Group A, while Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Russia will face off in Group B.
The rest of the groups are still up for grabs and fans of international football can still look forward to more qualifiers in October and November.
Scotland Still Fighting for Their Spot
Steve Clarke’s men were not good enough during qualifying but they will get a second chance to reach Euro 2021.
On October 8, they will face Israel in their one-off semi-final play-off, with the winner then set to do battle with either Norway or Serbia.
While Scotland will get home advantage against Israel, their final game will be away from home in November.
The Scots earned their play-off spot by winning Nations League Group C1, but they will be up against it later this year.
Can Iceland Do It Again?
Iceland have enjoyed a stellar few years, reaching their first major tournament in 2016 at the European Championships.
They beat the Netherlands home and away to qualify, before then beating England in the round of 16.
They also qualified for the 2018 World Cup and Erik Hamren’s side can still reach next summer’s tournament.
They have been allocated in ‘Path A’, meaning they must overcome Romania at the start of October.
Bulgaria and Hungary have also been drawn in that pot, meaning the winners of each tie will square off on November 12.
Two Rivals Collide
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could well have to meet in order to book their place at the Championships.
NI face a difficult trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Slovakia will entertain the ROI in ‘Path B’.
While it would take some doing, it would be one of the biggest qualifiers of all time if the two rival nations could win their games to meet each other in November.
All to Play for in ‘Path D’
The weakest group of teams appears to be in Path D, where Georgia will meet Belarus and North Macedonia will do battle with Kosovo.
All four teams appear equally matched but three close games are expected later in 2020.
Belarus were well beaten during qualifying but two friendly wins over Uzbekistan and Bulgaria have given their squad a huge lift.
The remaining qualifiers should bring plenty of excitement, with so much on the line.
