What is at stake for teams this weekend vying for a berth in the Euro 2016 finals
Two unbeaten teams, England and Austria, hope to consolidate leading positions in their group against minnows San Marino and Moldova, respectively
The first qualifiers for the Euro next year finals in France could be decided on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the first of a double-header of match days. Here is what is at stake: Who can qualify?
England have won every game so far in group E and can clinch qualification for the finals by maintaining that record when they face minnows San Marino in Serravalle on Saturday.
The players must keep going, play well and look to win every match. I don’t want any let-up
Indeed, simply matching Slovenia’s result from their game in Switzerland would suffice but anything other than a victory would be an embarrassment for Roy Hodgson’s side.
After all, San Marino are ranked 192nd in the world and have still never won a competitive match.
“The players must keep going, play well and look to win every match. I don’t want any let-up and we want to win both these games,” said Hodgson after announcing his squad for the game and next Tuesday’s home meeting with Switzerland.
In addition, unbeaten Austria will qualify from group G with three games to spare if they beat Moldova in Vienna and Russia fail to beat Sweden in Moscow. A draw would also be enough depending on results elsewhere going their way.
