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    Scotland 2 Austria 2: Watch John McGinn net incredible overhead kick to rescue a last-gasp point in World Cup opener

    JOHN McGINN’S spectacular overhead kick salvaged a crucial point for Steve Clarke’s Scots.Just when it looked as if Austria’s version of Peter Crouch was about to condemn Scotland to their first home defeat in a World Cup qualifier since 2013!

    John McGinn’s stunning bicycle kick salvaged a draw for Scotland against AustriaCredit: Reuters
    Stuttgart’s 6ft7″ striker Sasa Kalajdzic produced a towering performance at Hampden, helping himself to a double to open his international account in his third appearance for his country.
    But the giant striker was cut down to size by pint-sized John McGinn who saved his side with a stunning bicycle kick five minutes from full-time.
    It was the Aston Villa ace’s first goal in nine games for his country and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time as the Scots were on the brink of a disastrous opening defeat.
    But yet again, Super John McGinn rode to the rescue as he underlined his value to Steve Clarke with his eighth goal in 16 appearances for his manager – Scotland’s top scorer since Clarke took charge.
    However Gareth Southgate’s spies will have seen nothing here to spook them ahead of Scotland’s visit on Euro Championship business in June.
    Franco Foda’s improving Austria are currently 25 places above 48th placed Scotland in Fifa’s world rankings and it showed when the visitors dominated for large periods.
    But they passed up a string of chances until Kalajdzic pounced when David Marshall spilled Florian Grillitsch’s low shot to fire the visitor’s in front 10 minutes after the break.
    Forgotten Scot Grant Hanley equalised eight years after his first and last goal for his country with a powerful header after 71 minutes.
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    McGinn popped up in the 85th minute to play the role of late hero for Steve Clarke’s menCredit: Getty

    But Scotland looked doomed when Kalajdzic headed past Marshall with 10 minutes left.
    That was until McGinn’s late magic left the Tartan Army head over heels. 
    And the strike is sure to have also left them with renewed vigour for Sunday’s tough clash against Israel.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Simon Jordan says England U21s can beat Scotland first team More

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    England 5 San Marino 0: Ollie Watkins scores on debut as World Cup bid gets off to flier at Wembley

    NOBODY is quite sure what the most farcical aspect of this World Cup campaign will be.That the finals are being held in Qatar or that England must play four matches against rank amateurs, during a global pandemic when non-essential travel is supposed to be banned.
    Ollie Watkins scored on his debut as England beat San Marino 5-0 in their first World Cup qualifierCredit: Getty
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted twice in the Wembley rompCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Still, it will be a World Cup campaign like no other – beginning in an empty Wembley, ending in the desert in winter.
    And England began it by defeating the worst team on Earth, a San Marino side who have never won a competitive game of football, in passable fashion.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice, James Ward-Prowse and Raheem Sterling one apiece and Ollie Watkins netted a debut goal.
    All the while, Harry Kane would have been quietly seething on the bench, knowing he could have made significant inroads on Wayne Rooney’s England scoring record had he been allowed to join in.
    But let’s face it, it wouldn’t have thrilled your Nanna or your Auntie Vi – as Southgate said he’d hoped to do in his pre-match press conference.
    This was an exercise in bayoneting sandbags, nothing more.
    None of this is the fault of Southgate or his players, nor the opposition, who defended obdurately, especially in the second half.
    You can only beat what’s in front of you – even if the opposition resembled some sort of Jim Henson creation.
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    James Ward-Prowse opened the scoring with his first-ever England goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Raheem Sterling kept his fine form going with a well-taken finishCredit: Getty

    It will get tougher than this for England in this group – San Marino is a hill with a castle on it, while Andorra is a couple of actual mountains. And Fraggle Rock hasn’t yet been recognised by FIFA.
    In Albania on Sunday, Southgate’s men will actually have to play against some professional footballers.
    We could pretend to tell you what the England manager would have learned from this – that Nick Pope can stay awake for 90 minutes relatively late in the evening without anything to occupy him.
    Southgate would have liked to have seen more ruthlessness and more composure, in front of goal.
    But we know full well that he will learn far more from any given training session.

    Ward-Prowse opened the scoring after 14 minutesCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
    Calvert-Lewin doubled England’s lead not long afterCredit: Reuters
    Had England amassed double figures, it would tell us nothing about their capability of beating Croatia here when the Euros get under way in June.
    Even Southgate didn’t dare to play a back five against this lot – the first pub team allowed to play competitive football in England this year – and a team who probably wouldn’t even be able to beat Liverpool at Anfield right now.
    With no fans, no contest, no drama or intrigue, it genuinely must have been difficult for Southgate’s men to stay switched on.
    Yet with a tournament coming up this summer, this was at least a chance for players to prove they can cope with boredom – so often an Achilles heel for England squads of the past.
    San Marino did actually manage to frustrate England for 14 minutes – though England largely frustrated themselves.
    Sterling had the Three Lions three up after half an hourCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Calvert-Lewin bagged his second of the night in the 53rd minuteCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Sterling fluffed two glorious headed chances, Jesse Lingard had a shot pushed away by the heroic visiting keeper Elia Benedettini and John Stones shinned over the bar from four yards when scoring would have been easier.
    But finally the opener arrived when Ben Chilwell cut back for Ward-Prowse to steer home.
    He celebrated with an exuberant golf swing and while it was his first goal for England, a polite shake of hands would have sufficed.
    The second was a trademark Calvert-Lewin header from a trademark Reece James cross – a goal which could have been practiced against cones on a training ground, which is pretty much what happened at Wembley.
    Benedettini, who certainly never wants for action in his role, made another excellent stop from a Chilwell long-ranger.
    Watkins will never forget the moment he netted his first Three Lions goal in the 83rd minuteCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
    Jude Bellingham impressed after coming on as a second-half subCredit: Getty
    San Marino then, inadvisably, attempted to play it out from the back, straight to Mason Mount, who fed Sterling, three defenders falling at his feet as he drilled in from an angle.
    It was Sterling’s fifth attempt on goal – he’d left Lingard screaming in the centre when he greedily attempted a solo goal earlier.
    Then, absolute scenes, as San Marino won a corner – which they wasted. Swiftly followed by an attacking free-kick, also squandered.
    Southgate made four half-time subs – Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Kieran Trippier and Tyrone Mings on for Sterling, Mount, James and Stones.
    Lingard soon set up Calvert-Lewin to tap home his second and England’s fourth.
    Phil Foden was also introduced and had a lively outingCredit: Getty
    Gareth Southgate will now turn his attention to Sunday’s game in AlbaniaCredit: EPA
    Spoilsport Southgate wouldn’t let the Everton centre-forward complete his hat-trick – sending on Aston Villa’s Watkins for his debut.
    It is a moment any footballer dreams of – yet rather devalued against non-leaguers in front of 90,000 empty seats.
    Ward-Prowse was given the opportunity to curl home a 25-yard free-kick – as he often does for Southampton – but Benedettini touched it on the post, as many Premier League keepers have failed to do.
    Then, a lovely moment for Watkins, who accepted a pass from the scampering Foden to guide home his shot.
    Nobody, except the San Marino keeper, will remember much about this night, if and when England arrive in Qatar in November 2022 for the sharp end of this campaign.
    That we have to sit through three more matches like this, against San Marino and Andorra twice, really is an extraordinary waste of everybody’s time.
    Aidy Boothroyd reacts to the young Lions’ shocking start as England U21s lose 0-1 to Switzerland More

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    Man City star Aro Muric booted out of international duty with Kosovo after breaching strict team discipline rules

    MANCHESTER CITY keeper Aro Muric has been sent home from international duty for breaching team discipline, according to reports.The 22-year-old was part of Kosovo’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Spain.
    Man City goalkeeper Aro Muric has been sent home from international duty with KosovoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But national boss Bernard Challandes sent Muric packing earlier this week after the Swiss-born keeper broke team rules.
    Muric is on a season-long loan to Dutch club Willem II.
    He helped City win the 2019 League Cup, making five appearances, but has since been loaned out to Nottingham Forest and Spanish club Girona.
    The keeper had rowed with national teammate Edon Zhegrova, according to Dutch outlet AD.
    But coach Challandes labelled the claims ‘fake news’.
    The Swiss-born manager added: “It would be a lack of respect on my part towards Aro Muric if I give out any more information.”
    Willem II refused to comment until the player has returned to the club.
    Kosovo are set to play a friendly against Lithuania before World Cup qualifying matches against Spain and Sweden.
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    Muric previously sparked controversy while on international duty last October.
    He was pictured with a woman at the team’s hotel, contravening Covid-19 protocols.
    Elsewhere, Germany’s World Cup qualifier with Iceland was thrown into doubt on Thursday after Jonas Hofmann tested positive for Covid-19.
    Urgent talks were held between frantic German FA officials in a desperate attempt to make sure the Group J clash in Duisberg would go ahead as planned.
    And the game has now been given the green light to go ahead, according to reports.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Haaland and Odegaard lead Norway stars in powerful human rights message before Gibraltar clash More

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    Germany’s World Cup qualifier vs Iceland WILL go ahead despite Hofmann testing positive for Covid hours before kick-off

    GERMANY’S World Cup qualifier against Iceland WILL go ahead after one of their players tested positive for Covid-19, according to reports.Borussia Monchengladbach star Jonas Hofmann, 28, returned a positive sample leaving the rest of the German squad confined to their rooms – on the morning of their clash with the Icelandics.
    Germany’s clash with Iceland will go ahead despite a member of their squad testing positive for Covid-19Credit: Getty
    Borussia Monchengladbach star Jonas Hofmann contracted the virus which threw the game into doubtCredit: Getty
    Urgent talks were held between frantic German FA officials earlier today in a desperate attempt to make sure the Group J clash in Duisberg would go ahead as planned.
    And the game has now been given the green light, according to Bild.
    The match is due to kick-off at 7:45pm tonight UK time at the MSV Arena – home to third tier side MSV Duisberg.
    Players were forced to self-isolate and a team meeting scheduled for this morning was cancelled in an attempt to reduce any risk of further transmission.
    As well as Hofmann, RB Leipzig star Marcel Halstenberg has also been forced to isolate as he came into contact with the infected midfielder.
    At noon Thursday, German Football spokesperson Jens Gittner said the game would ‘definitely take place according to the current status’.
    Former Germany striker and now DFB big-wig Oliver Bierhoff, 52, said: “This news is of course bitter so shortly before the game – for the coach and the entire team.
    “But we are in good spirits that it will stay with this single case, as we have carried out all hygiene measures with great discipline so far. Of course, we will implement all the requirements of the authorities. ”
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    Former England Under-21 star Jamal Musiala is in the German senior squad

    A German FA statement on Thursday read: “The PCR testing of players and staff in the national team’s quarters on Wednesday gave a positive test result on Thursday morning.
    “In close cooperation with the Düsseldorf health department, the national player who tested positive and is currently symptom-free was immediately isolated.”
    Fifa protocols state the game can take place if a team has 13 available players.
    Former England Under-21 star Jamal Musiala is one of the players affected by the news having been called up to the senior German side for the first time.
    The 18-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise at Bayern Munich – sparking a battle between the Three Lions and Die Mannschaft for his international allegiance.
    Despite playing for the Young Lions as recently as November, he chose to play for Germany’s senior team after boss Joachim Low knocked on his door to beg him to pick the Germans.
    The starlet was born in Stuttgart but moved to London as a child, where he played for Chelsea’s academy.
    Germany are in qualifying Group J alongside Romania, North Macedonia, Armenia and Lichtenstein.
    Low is set to kick off his last World Cup qualifying campaign with the national team.
    The long serving manager of 15 years will stand down after this summer’s Euros.
    Despite rumours linking Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with the upcoming vacancy, the Reds manager ruled himself out of the running.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Germany vs Iceland – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for World Cup 2022 qualifier More

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    Soucek scores first Czech hat-trick in Estonia rout while France are held by Ukraine and Portugal edge past Azerbaijan

    TOMAS SOUCEK’S brisk hat-trick led the Czech Republic’s 6-2 rout of Estonia – but France and Holland were stunned on a lively first night of World Cup qualifiers.The midfielder replicated his superb West Ham form, netting on 32, 43 and 48 minutes, as the Czechs roared back from behind.
    West Ham sensation Tomas Soucek celebrates mocking his poor scoring record for the Czechs with a treble to destroy EstoniaCredit: Getty
    France main man Kylian Mbappe cannot believe it as Ukraine hit back for a drawCredit: Getty
    Portugla celebrate after Maksim Medvedev’s own goal sunk AzerbaijanCredit: Getty
    Soucek had only bagged four goals in his previous 29 internationals.
    France were held 1-1 at home by Ukraine, despite Barcelona striker Antoine Griezmann rewarding the World Cup champions’ confident start with a brilliant curling goal.
    Serhiy Sydorchuk’s deflected shot wrong-footed home keeper Hugo Lloris for Ukraine’s 57th minute leveller.
    Elsewhere, Maksim Medvedev’s freak own goal clinched Portugal’s 1-0 win over Azerbaijan.
    Keeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev impressively defied Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Co but it was his punch on 37 minutes that went in off defender Medvedev.
    The Republic of Ireland were rocked in the same group, losing 3-2 in Serbia.
    Alan Browne headed the Republic in front but Dusan Vlahovic and sub  Aleksandar Mitrovic’s two goals – one of them an incredible lob – turned the game.
    James Collins replied late on but the Irish had little answer to the three assists for Serbia captain and Ajax star Dusan Tadic.
    Arsenal loanee Martin Odegaard went off injured and Manchester United target Erling Haaland drew a blank despite playing the first 62 minutes as Norway won 3-0 in Gibraltar.
    The Norwegians wore T-shirts with the message “Human rights on and off the pitch” to show support for Qatar migrant workers ahead of next year’s finals in the Middle Eastern nation.
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    Alexander Sorloth, Cristian Thorstvedt and Jonas Svensson netted.
    Slovenia humbled 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia 1-0.
    Nikola Vlasic hit the post before Sandi Lovric bagged a 15th-minute clincher at the other end, a heavily-deflected shot past Dominik Livakovic.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Haaland and Odegaard lead Norway stars in powerful human rights message before Gibraltar clash More

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    World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar to play European qualifying to help them prepare for home tournament

    WORLD CUP hosts Qatar will be placed in a EUROPEAN qualifying group to make them better-prepared for the 2022 tournament.
    The Gulf state is automatically qualified for the first winter World Cup, which starts in November 2022.

    Following the draw for World Cup qualifying, hosts Qatar have now been added to a European qualifying group to give them match practiceCredit: foto-net

    Cristiano Ronaldo netted for Juventus against Barcelona on Tuesday night and for Portugal will now also be targeting Qatar in a ‘group friendly’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    But Uefa chiefs have agreed to add Qatar to the five-team Group A of qualifying, which consists of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Serbia, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.
    While Qatar’s games will be friendlies, they will play the “spare” side in each set of games, ensuring that all five teams play 10 games between the start of qualifying in March and next November.
    Uefa agreed a similar arrangement for Euro 2016 hosts France, to ensure Les Bleus had proper match-practice before hosting that tournament.
    This will, though, be the first time a side which is from outside Europe and not a member of Uefa will have been integrated into the continent’s qualification fixture list.

    But the Qataris, however, will not be able to test out their newly-built stadia or the training grounds they are constructing for the showpiece tournament.
    Qatar have already completed five of their eight stadiums with work continuing apace on the others.
    Instead, Uefa confirmed: “Qatar will play its ‘home’ matches in Europe in order to allow short travel times for their opponents.

    “As the next FIFA World Cup host nation, Qatar has already qualified for the tournament – meaning any results involving Qatar will not count towards qualification.”

    Qatar’s first games as a temporary “European” team will be “home” matches with Luxembourg and Azerbaijan, followed by a trip to Ireland, in March.
    The Qataris will be making their debut in a World Cup when they play host to the final 32-team tournament and are determined to prove they are worthy of the honour, both on and off the pitch.

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    World Cup 2022 qualifying draw LIVE: England in group with Poland, Wales to face Belgium – latest updates and reaction

    THE countdown to the 2022 World Cup continues.
    It may feel like a long time until the finals in around two years’ time, but qualifying is already underway in South America – and now it’s time for European nations, including England, to discover their fates.
    Start time: 5pm GMT
    TV channel: FIFA TV
    England in POT 1 with Belgium, France, Spain and Germany
    Wales in POT 2, Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland in POT 3

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

    THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT
    The World Cup qualifying group’s have been concluded and neither England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland have it easy!
    Group games will start from March 2021 and the European teams’ qualification process will be done by March 2022 once the play-offs have been concluded.
    Have a good one!

    ON FORM
    Luxembourg’s form in the past eight games: Won 3, Lost 4, Drawn 1
    Republic of Ireland’s last eight: Won 0, Lost 4, Drawn 4
    Luxenbourg have improved massively over the last couple of years and were unlucky not to be promoted into group B of the Nations League. No pushovers.

    QUALIFYING REGULARS
    England and Poland have met in five previous World Cup qualifying campaigns!
    The two sides also met at the World Cup held in Mexico in 1986.

    TEAM-MATES
    Leeds team-mates Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich could face off against each other in Group I.

    Mateusz Klich v Kalvin Phillips in Group I of 2020 World Cup qualifying. #lufc
    — Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) December 7, 2020

    QATAR DATES
    The important dates for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    TWITTER REACTS
    This is a good one!

    KEY DATES
    Here’s all the important dates for the World Cup qualification process.
    Matchday 1 –  24–25 March 2021 Matchday 2 – 27–28 March 2021 Matchday 3 – 30–31 March 2021 Matchday 4 – 1–2 September 2021 Matchday 5 – 4–5 September 2021 Matchday 6 – 7–8 September 2021 Matchday 7 – 8–9 October 2021 Matchday 8 – 11–12 October 2021 Matchday 9 – 11–13 November 2021 Matchday 10 – 14–16 November 2021 Play-offs – 24, 25, 28, 29 March 2022

    STRONG CHANCE
    Wales may have been drawn with Belgium who are ranked the top team in the world, but they also have a good chance of taking the second place play-off spot.
    They’ll face a fight with Czech Republic who are known for their tireless runners, for example Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal of West Ham.

    FIGHTING CHANCE
    Republic of Ireland have a fighting chance in group A, it looks like they’ll most likely slug it out for the second place play-off spot.
    However, one fan highlights Serbia’s strengths as well as a warning about Azerbaijan.

    TOUGH LUCK
    Northern Ireland have been dealt a bad hand, they join four-time world champions Italy and Switzerland.

    HOPEFUL
    Scotland fans are enthusiastic for their group!

    Pump Denmark pump Austria pump Israel pump faroe pump Moldova finish the group with 30 points with a goal difference of about 120
    — rory inglis (@ringlis_01) December 7, 2020

    THREE LIONS
    Group J has arguably the top two strikers in world football in the same group – Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski.
    And Andy makes a good point, the percentage of goals scored between the pair is bound to be high!

    90% of the goals in that group will be scored by Kane and Lewandowski.
    — Andy Purchase (@1AndyPurchase) December 7, 2020

    KEY CLASHES
    Happy with that?
    Republic of Ireland will be battling it out with Serbia and Portugal for the top two spots, second secures a play-off place.
    Northern Ireland have a hard group, they need to get past both Italy and Switzerland to qualify.
    Wales are in with a good shot, they have number 1 ranked Belgium and Czech Republic – second spot play-off place more likely.
    Scotland most definitely do not have it easy and it’ll be a real fight to the death, they need to get past the likes of Denmark, Austria and Israel to qualify.
    And England, they’ve been given a difficult drawn. Poland and Hungary are no push overs.
    They’ll be up against Robert Lewandowski, one of the worlds best strikers and if not the best player in the world last season.
    And Hungary have their next big hope Dominik Szoboszlai, who is linked with a move to Arsenal.

    QUALIFYING GROUPS
    The qualifying groups have been decided!
    England’s group looks rather exciting, they’ll be up against one of the worlds best Robert Lewandowski.

    GROUP J
    Last but not least, Leichtenstein join Germany in group J.
    Germany
    Romania
    Iceland
    North Macedonia
    Armenia
    Leichtenstein

    GROUP I
    San Marino join ENGLAND in group I.
    England
    Poland
    Hungary
    Albania
    Andorra
    San Marino

    GROUP H
    Malta join group H.
    Croatia
    Slovakia
    Russia
    Slovenia
    Cyprus
    Malta

    GROUP G
    Gibraltar are drawn next and they join group G.
    Holland
    Turkey
    Norway
    Montenegro
    Latvia
    Gibraltar

    GROUP F
    Onto the final pot and Moldova are drawn first in pot F.
    Denmark
    Austria
    Scotland
    Israel
    Faroe Islands
    Moldova

    GROUP J
    Armenia are the last team to be drawn from pot 5 and they join group J.
    Germany
    Romania
    Iceland
    North Macedonia
    Armenia

    GROUP I
    Andorra join ENGLAND in group I.
    England
    Poland
    Hungary
    Albania
    Andorra

    GROUP H
    Cyprus join group H and will face Croatia.
    Croatia
    Slovakia
    Russia
    Slovenia
    Cyprus

    GROUP G
    Latvia join group G.
    Holland
    Turkey
    Norway
    Montenegro
    Latvia

    GROUP F
    Faroe Islands join group F.
    Denmark
    Austria
    Scotland
    Israel
    Faroe Islands

    GROUP D
    Kazakhstan join group D.
    France
    Ukraine
    Finland
    Bosnia-Herzegovina
    Kazakhstan

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    World Cup 2022 qualifying draw LIVE: TV channel, live stream FREE as England await fate – latest updates from Zurich

    THE countdown to the 2022 World Cup continues.
    It may feel like a long time until the finals in around two years’ time, but qualifying is already underway in South America – and now it’s time for European nations, including England, to discover their fates.
    Start time: 5pm GMT
    TV channel: UEFA website
    England in POT 1 with Belgium, France, Spain and Germany
    Wales in POT 2, Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland in POT 3

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

    ENGLAND’S WORSE CASE SCENARIO
    This is the worst case scenario for England:
    Switzerland, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Moldova.

    ENGLAND’S BEST CASE SCENARIO
    This could be one of the best case scenario’s for England’s qualifying group:
    Romania, Finland, Luxembourg, Andorra, San Marino.

    WORLD CUP KEY DATES
    The World Cup kicks off on November 21 and the group stage process ends on December 2.
    The round of 16 will take place between December 3 & 6.
    Quarter finals will take place on December 9 & 10.
    Semi finals between December 13 & 14.
    And finally, the World Cup final will take place on December 18.
    Let’s hope the boys match their 2018 World Cup run, if not better!

    POT LUCK
    POT 1: Belgium, France, England, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands.
    POT 2: Switzerland, Wales, Poland, Sweden, Austria, Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey, Slovakia, Romania.
    POT 3: Russia, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic, Norway, Northern Ireland, Iceland, Scotland, Greece, Finland.
    POT 4: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Israel, Belarus, Georgia, Luxembourg.
    POT 5: Armenia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Andorra.
    POT 6: Malta, Moldova, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar, San Marino.

    WORLD CUP QUALIFYING KEY DATES
    Matchday 1 –  24–25 March 2021 Matchday 2 – 27–28 March 2021 Matchday 3 – 30–31 March 2021 Matchday 4 – 1–2 September 2021 Matchday 5 – 4–5 September 2021 Matchday 6 – 7–8 September 2021 Matchday 7 – 8–9 October 2021 Matchday 8 – 11–12 October 2021 Matchday 9 – 11–13 November 2021 Matchday 10 – 14–16 November 2021 
    Play-off datesPlay-off semi finals – 24-25 March 2022Play-off finals – 28-29 March 2022

    TEAMS THAT CANNOT BE DRAWN TOGETHER
    For non-sporting reasons, these teams cannot be drawn together.
    Armenia & AzerbaijanGibraltar & SpainKosovo & Bosnia and HerzegovinaKosovo & RussiaKosovo & SerbiaUkraine & Russia

    WHO GOES THROUGH?
    The ten group winners will qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
    The ten group runners-up will compete in the play-offs which take place in March 2022.
    And they will be joined by the two best group winners of the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League that have neither qualified directly for the final tournament as European Qualifiers group winners, or entered the play-offs already as European Qualifiers group runners-up.
    The 12 countries in the play-offs will be drawn into three play-off paths for one-off semi’s and final.
    The three path winners qualify for the World Cup.

    HOW DOES THE DRAW WORK?
    Teams will be drawn into ten groups of FIVE or SIX.
    And the teams who reached the 2021 UEFA Nations League finals will be in the smaller groups (Belgium, Spain, Italy and France).

    The World Cup qualifying draw will be taking place from Zurich

    GOOD AFTERNOON
    And welcome to the live blog for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers!
    The road to the 2022 Qatar World Cup begins, but up first is the qualifiers and today the European teams find out who they’ll be slugging it out with to reach tournament.
    The qualifying process starts in March 2021 and it should be all decided by November 2021.
    And the play-offs for the runners up will be played in March 2022.
    For the first time ever, the World Cup will be played in the Winter of 2022 to provide a cooler playing climate with temperatures going as high as 40°C in the summer.
    England could draw Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland as there are no restrictions on the teams facing each other.
    Luckily for Gareth Southgate’s men, they’ll avoid the big boys with all of them joining England in Pot 1.

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