Four points could secure World Cup place for England
依 soccernet 資料, England 如果能多取4分, 應該可以避開Play-off, 試問面對Spain, French有多大勝算, 但Czechs + Croatia在未來2場的表演, 亦直接影響最終出線權; Anyway, 如Ericsson, 依然排出一個分工不明的陣容, Sorry, you can't play the world cup.[quote from soccernet]
England go into their final two group games knowing that two victories will see them top the group and qualify automatically for a place in the World Cup finals.
But, with the two best second place teams also avoiding the tense battle of the November play-offs, they could still go through with a lesser haul.
Four of the eight groups are out of the running.
And if England pick up four points then Group Four, which contains France, Switzerland, Israel and Ireland, is also discounted. Even if England pick up just three points it is unlikely this group will produce a contender.
That leaves, in effect, three groups vying for the two automatic places.
Group Eight, led by Sweden and Croatia, is likely to take the top berth for the runners-up. However, Croatia slipped up with a shock draw in Malta and still have to entertain the group leaders.
If the Croats lose at home to Sweden they will have to go to Hungary and win to put themselves in the frame for one of the extra automatic spots.
Group One is headed by the Netherlands and as they still have to play at home to Macedonia they should be the group winners. The crucial game as far as England are concerned comes on October 8 when the Czech Republic play host to Marco van Basten's side.
If England beat Austria and the Czechs are defeated the Sven's men will definitely be in the finals. If the Czechs only manage a draw then England will need an additional point against Poland to book their place.
However, should the Czechs pick up all three points in their latest battle with Dutch and then win in Finland they will, barring a slip-up by Croatia, leave England needing to top the group or face the play-offs.
And with the play-offs likely to include the Czechs, Spain and possibly France there could be a very difficult extended route to the finals.
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