The road to Austria and Switzerland for Euro 2008 beckons. Fifty nations, seven groups and only the top two in each group qualifies. There are no play-offs for the better runners up as the two host nations will fill the remaining two places in the draw.

However abysmal the campaign has been for England so far, they are still in a good position to go through to the finals of Euro 2008. Of their remaining four fixtures, they have yet to play Russia (twice) and Croatia (at Wembley). The other, another home tie against Estonia. England's fate is still pretty much in their own hands.

Ironically, the double header against the Russians is almost like a play-off. While it is important for England to collect more points, it is even more important for them not to lose. Croatia and Russia have already faced each other twice in the campaign (two scoreless draws).

'A win over two legs will see England leapfrog Russia, needing only to avoid defeat on final day to go through'



I think it is fair to assume that they are unlikely to drop further points in their remaining matches against the likes of Estonia, Macedonia, Andorra and Isreal. But a defeat at the hands of the Russians over two legs will almost certainly eliminate England from the competition.

A draw over two legs will almost surely force a final day must win tie against Croatia, and even that would be unfavorable considering Croatia's present superior goal difference that is only going to get better with Andorra still to play. A win over two legs will see England leapfrog Russia, needing only to avoid defeat on final day to go through.

I for one, will love to see England go through at the end of the day. After all, imagine the European Championships without the likes of England and Italy (it's looking increasingly likely with every passing day).