England avoid big guns in Euro 2020 draw

The 'Three Lions' were drawn in a five-team group due to their UEFA Nations League commitments next summer, meaning that they now have two shots at qualifying for Euro 2020.

Victory in the Nations League finals, or a top-two finish in Group A will see England safely to the tournament, which will be held across 12 hosts cities and involved 24 nations for the first time.

Southgate's men were the first team out of the hat in Sunday's draw in Dublin, with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Kosovo joining them in Group A, with England set to face the latter for the first time ever.

England are unbeaten in their last 10 games against Bulgaria (W6, D4, L0), though Montenegro held them to draws in the last two meetings between the pair in Euro 2012 qualifying (0-0 and 2-2)

That means they successfully avoided the likes of Germany, relegated to pot two following their dire recent form, and potential home nations clashes with of Scotland, Wales and Northen Ireland.

As a result, England will be expected to qualify comfortably for a tournament that will see the both the semi-finals and final held at Wembley, the home of English football.

 

December 2, 2018