England, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland all top their groups; Wales and Scotland face battle to reach next summer's tournament
Thursday 5 September 2019 22:27, UK
As we approach the midway stage of the European Qualifiers, which nations are edging towards next summer's tournament? And who is in danger of missing out?
Domestic football makes way for internationals this coming week, with a whole host of European Qualifiers being shown live on Sky Sports.
But how is each nation faring in their group? From the runaway leaders to the three-way ties at the top, we look at the state of play going into September's qualifiers…
Coming up: September 7 - Kosovo vs Czech Republic, England vs Bulgaria; September 10 - Montenegro vs Czech Republic, England vs Kosovo
Having contested the Nations League Finals along with Portugal, the Netherlands and Switzerland, England are playing catch up in Group A - in terms of games, not points.
Going into their double-header at Wembley, Gareth Southgate's side are top with six points and are ahead of the Czech Republic - who have played a game more - based on the head-to-head ruling thanks to March's 5-0 win. Kosovo are a point adrift, while Montenegro and Bulgaria remain winless on two points having both played four matches.
Coming up: September 7 - Lithuania vs Ukraine, Serbia vs Portugal; September 10 - Luxembourg vs Serbia, Lithuania vs Portugal
After two draws, Euro 2016 winners Portugal sit fourth in Group B, but two wins this month would see them leapfrog both Serbia and Luxembourg.
Ukraine sit top after an unbeaten start, and having drawn in Portugal, they will be confident of navigating through the remainder of the campaign relatively unscathed.
Coming up: September 6 - Estonia vs Belarus, Germany vs Netherlands; September 9 - Northern Ireland vs Germany, Estonia vs Netherlands
Northern Ireland are standing head and shoulders above two European giants in Group C, but the second half of their campaign is set to get a whole lot tougher.
Having beaten Belarus and Estonia twice each, Northern Ireland have home and away fixtures against Germany and the Netherlands to come, and face the former at Windsor Park on September 9.
Germany are three points behind Northern Ireland having played a game less, while the Netherlands are nine points adrift. Germany host the Netherlands in a mouthwatering clash on Friday.
Coming up: September 6 - Wales vs Azerbaijan, Slovakia vs Croatia; September 9 - Azerbaijan vs Croatia, Hungary vs Slovakia
Wales have it all to do in Group E. Ryan Giggs' side are currently fourth on three points, but will look to put the pressure on those ahead of them when hosting Azerbaijan on Friday night.
Hungary currently lead the way, but Slovakia and Croatia will both look to close the gap as the battle for the top two places heats up. Wales will be desperate to make it a four-horse race.
Coming up: September 6 - Slovenia vs Poland, Austria vs Latvia; September 9 - Slovenia vs Israel, Poland vs Austria, Latvia vs Macedonia
Poland have a healthy five-point lead at the top of Group G after winning all four of their matches to date.
Israel sit second with eight points, but besides bottom nation Latvia - who have lost every match - just a point separates Austria, North Macedonia and Slovenia.
Coming up: September 7 - Iceland vs Moldova, Turkey vs Andorra, France vs Albania; September 10 - Moldova vs Turkey, France vs Andorra, Albania vs Iceland
Quite possibly the tightest group of all, with France, Turkey and Iceland all on nine points after three wins and a loss apiece, while Albania are not far behind on six points.
France's two September ties are at home, and while they will look to make that advantage count, Tukey will be eyeing sizeable victories themselves against Andorra and Moldova.
Coming up: September 6 - Cyprus vs Kazakhstan, Scotland vs Russia, San Marino vs Belgium; September 9 - Scotland vs Belgium, San Marino vs Cyprus, Russia vs Kazakhstan
The good news. Scotland have two home games this month. The bad news. They are up against the top two in Group I, and know they will have to take something against either Belgium or Russia to maintain their push for a first major tournament since 1998.
Belgium have enjoyed a 100 per cent start, but Scotland's first focus will be on drawing level with Russia on nine points, while Kazakhstan remain very much in the mix.
The Euro 2020 qualification stage resumes, with games live across Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports Football red button.
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