ENGLAND will learn their opponents for next summer’s Euro 2020 tournament in the draw on Friday.
The Three Lions stormed through their group, winning seven of their eight matches to finish top of Group A.
Gareth Southgate and his England side will find out two of the teams they will face in Euro 2020 in Friday’s drawCredit: PA:Press Association
That guaranteed they would also play their three group games at Wembley Stadium – with home of English football among the 12 venues across Europe to host fixtures.
But what are the easiest and toughest teams they could face in the group stages?
England’s best case scenario
After a stellar campaign, they ensured they would go in Pot 1, while as one of the 12 hosts, they have already been assigned to Group D.
Yet, who they face will not only depend on the draw, but also on the play-offs in March.
Because Scotland are also a host, with Hampden Park selected for the same group as England, the winner of their play-off path will be automatically drawn into Group D.
So for the best case scenario, the Three Lions could be handed Israel from the play-offs – who have never qualified for a European Championships.
They are currently ranked 89th in the world, just ahead of Georgia, Cyprus and Luxembourg.
In Pot 2, there are some huge names like the 2018 World Cup winners and finalists – France and Croatia.
Holland and Russia have already been given their groups, so Poland were be slightly easier than Switzerland, who reached the Nations League Finals in June.
The Poles do have one of the very best up front in Robert Lewandowski, but their star names are few and far between.
Lastly, from Pot 3, it is Austria who are the obvious candidates to easiest group, having only played in two Euros prior to next summer – one of which they co-hosted with Switzerland.
England’s worst case scenario
Despite playing at home and being in the first Pot, the worst case scenario could easily send England crashing out – perhaps even without recording a point.
From Pot 2, no surprise, it is France.
The reigning World Champions will have an incredible attack once again including Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe while there is star quality throughout the team.
They also reached the final of the Euros in 2016, beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal – who just so happen to be available to be drawn into Group D from Pot 3.
The current holders only just sneaked through after failing to beat Ukraine in both fixtures.
But after adding the Nations League crown to their mantelpiece and a possible farewell for Ronaldo, along with their world-class stars throughout the squad, the Iberians will be incredibly tough to beat.
Finally, already knowing that England will be drawn the winner from Play-off Path C due to Scotland’s involvement, there are few teams that look likely to struggle England.
Israel were named the easiest of the quartet, while Scotland’s recent form suggest they would falter against their old rivals.
Norway have a sprinkling of talent, yet it is Serbia who will be favourites to emerge and claim a place in next summer’s tournament.
Former Manchester City ace Aleksandar Kolarov is currently the captain, while they have ex-Southampton attacker Dusan Tadic, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Crystal Palace’s penalty king Luka Milivojevic.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
