England, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland all top their groups; Wales and Scotland face battle to reach next ...

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.

There are stern tests for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland coming up, and while England have two home matches to look forward to, Wales will look to make home advantage count against Azerbaijan on Friday.

 

Wales vs Azerbaijan

September 6, 2019, 7:30pm

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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…

Group A - England aim to stay perfect

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.

Group B - Portugal down in fourth

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.

Group C - Going gets tough for Northern Ireland

up: September 6 - Estonia vs Belarus, Germany vs Netherlands; September 9 - Northern Ireland vs Germany, Estonia vs Netherlands

 

N Ireland vs Germany

September 9, 2019, 7:00pm

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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.

Group D - Republic of Ireland in a strong position

Republic of Ireland have enjoyed a solid start to their qualifying campaign

Coming up: September 5 - Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland, Gibraltar vs Denmark; September 8 - Switzerland vs Gibraltar, Georgia vs Denmark

After three wins and a draw, the Republic of Ireland are looking good at the midway stage of their qualifying campaign.

They face a stern test on Thursday when hosting Switzerland, who are six points behind in third having played just two games, but Mick McCarthy's side will know qualification is within their grasp with victory over the Swiss.

Group E - Wales face a fight

Wales face an uphill task to qualify for Euro 2020

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.

Group F - No catching Spain?

Coming up: September 5 - Romania vs Spain, Norway vs Malta, Faroe Islands vs Sweden; September 8 - Romania vs Malta, Sweden vs Norway, Spain vs Faroe Islands

Spain are flying high in Group F and while they will look to maintain their perfect start, it appears to be a case of who will join Robert Moreno's side in next summer's tournament.

Romania and Sweden are both five points behind Spain with six matchdays to go, while Norway are also contenders a further two points behind.

Group G - Poles apart