The World Cup concluded just eight months ago, and since then, we have seen the UEFA Nations League debut. The high-quality international fixtures across Europe are about to increase as UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying kicks off this week.
Fans who love international football will rejoice as qualification for the tournament begins with some notable matches being played on matchday 1 and 2.
Euro 2020 qualifying is connected to the previously mention UEFA Nations League and teams competing in the latter can improve their chances of making the former. With qualifying starting on Thursday, March 21st, here is a look at the most interesting matches of matchday 1 and 2.
Austria vs. Poland – Thursday, March 21st
Austria and Poland meet on matchday 1 in Group G. Poland go into the tie having struggled at the World Cup and in the Nations League. Poland did not win a Nations League game and were relegated to League B. Meanwhile, Austria solidified their place in League B in the competition.
Both sides are looking to get on track and overcome their recent history in international tournaments. Poland have the most to gain of the two teams after last summer’s debacle in Russia. Poland have not lost in three recent games against Austria. Can they make it four away from home?
Belgium vs. Russia – Thursday, March 21st
Belgium finished third at the World Cup. If they had just found a little more attacking edge against France in the semifinals and they would have played Croatia in the final. Russia, on the other hand, overachieved and were a penalty kick away from the semifinals.
Belgium will be without Romelu Lukaku due to injury. The side is also without Marouane Fellaini following his international retirement. Assistant manager Thierry Henry is gone as well following his appointment as Monaco coach in October 2018. A lot of questions surround Belgium going into the qualifiers and whether they are still the same high-quality side.
England vs. Czech Republic – Friday, March 22nd
England were the surprise package of the World Cup. They had a tremendous amount of luck playing in a knockout bracket lacking top quality teams. England also relied heavily on striker Harry Kane to score their goals. Now, Gareth Southgate’s team go into Euro qualifying attempting to prove the World Cup was not a fluke. So far, the nation has proved they are for real. England will play in the Nations League semifinals in the summer.
Bundesliga star Jadon Sancho will have the opportunity to showcase his talents as an international. Big things are expected from the winger; but will England continue to rely on Kane to score their goals?
France vs. Iceland – Monday, March 25th
Reigning world champions France host Iceland on matchday 2. Iceland made their World Cup debut in 2018 and they continue to rise in international football. France missed out on Nations League semifinal qualification as they were defeated by the Netherlands on their final matchday.
Does Didier Deschamps’ team still have the fire inside them to win big international tournaments? Iceland won’t be a pushover, but France do have the chance to play them at home. If there is one team in Group H to challenge France for the top spot, it is Iceland.