Home of football statistics and historyThe 2024 European Championship qualifying campaign is hurtling towards the business end and there are still a ton of teams in with a chance of progressing to the tournament.
With the latest round of matches likely to be pivotal to the outcome in several groups, we look at some of the key things to look out for this weekend.
England need a positive performance
England head into their game against Italy at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday holding a six-point advantage at the top of Group C with three matches remaining.
Despite a poor performance in their last qualifier against Ukraine, online bookmakers remain convinced that England will be one of the teams to beat next summer.
According to sportsbooks found on the list from bettingsites.co.uk, the Three Lions are 9/2 joint favourites with France to lift the prestigious trophy in Germany.
However, manager Gareth Southgate’s unwavering loyalty to several underachievers at club level is causing widespread frustration among England fans.
His team desperately need to produce a positive performance against Italy or the growing discontent could start to spiral out of control.
Italy could scupper England’s party
Having lost 2-1 at home to England in their opening qualification game, Italy have picked up seven points from three matches to work their way up to second place in the group.
They are currently level on points with Ukraine and North Macedonia, who go head-to-head in the Czech Republic on Saturday.
Italy host Malta at the same time and will be eager to record a comfortable victory to boost their hopes of securing a qualification spot.
While England could secure progress on Tuesday evening, they would do well not to underestimate the threat posed by the reigning champions.
Italy showed in the 2020 European Championship final they could handle the pressure of playing at Wembley and undoubtedly have the ability to make life extremely difficult for England.
Koeman under the cosh
France visit the Netherlands in Group B on Friday aiming to crank up the pressure on under-fire manager Ronald Koeman.
If the Dutch fail to beat France and Greece win in the Republic of Ireland, Koeman’s side will drop out of the qualification places.
Their hopes of victory have not been helped by injuries to several key players including Sven Botman, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo.
With a visit to Greece awaiting the Netherlands on Monday, Koeman’s team can ill-afford to make any mistakes against France.
Koeman was a questionable choice to replace Louis van Gaal as manager. If his team falters, his position will be untenable.
Ireland manager needs to let the brakes off
Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has overseen a period of transition with the national team, but has struggled to deliver results.
He has been criticised for being overly cautious, sparking plenty of debate about his suitability to continue in the role.
Although Ireland need a miracle to qualify for Euro 2024, a victory over Greece and defeat for the Netherlands would change the landscape.
Kenny was hoping to have in-form Blackburn Rovers forward Sammie Szmodics available, who has been in excellent form in the Championship this season. Unfortunately, he has withdrawn from the squad for personal reasons.
His absence is another blow to Kenny, but he must still be brave by selecting an attacking line-up against a team that often struggles away from home.
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