Jason Burt's Euro 2020 draw verdict: Group-by-group breakdown as England tipped to top their pool
Group A
England, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Kosovo
England have never faced the Czech Republic, since it was formed, in a competitive match and, of course, it will be their first meeting with newly-formed Kosovo. With Bulgaria and Montenegro also in the group, it would be a big surprise if Gareth Southgate’s team do not comfortably finish top.
Group B
Portugal, Ukraine, Serbia, Lithuania, Luxembourg
Serbia were the third seeds that everyone wanted to avoid so defending champions Portugal and Ukraine will count themselves unfortunate to be paired with them. With Lithuania and Luxembourg also in the group, it would appear a clear three-way fight with Portugal expected to finish on top.
Group C
Netherlands, Germany, Northern Ireland, Estonia, Belarus
If Serbia were the dangers in Pot Three then Germany were the ones no-one wanted to face after they dropped into Pot Two. A resurgent Netherlands will not now be regarded as the favourites to win the group but the big losers appear to be Northern Ireland who have it all to do. Would be remarkable if they qualified.
Group D
Switzerland, Denmark, Republic of Ireland, Georgia, Gibraltar
An interesting group for the Republic of Ireland’s new coach, Mick McCarthy. Having initially been drawn in Group C they had to be moved as there were too many host countries in one group. Switzerland are perennially under-estimated, as they showed again in winning their Nations League group, while a Christian Eriksen-inspired Denmark will always be dangerous.
Group E
Croatia, Wales, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan
The presence of World Cup finalists Croatia means that Wales will be looking to finish ahead of Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan in second place. Results under Ryan Giggs have been patchy but he is right to be confident about Wales' chances of progressing. They have the chance with young players coming through and, of course, Gareth Bale.
Group F
Spain, Sweden, Norway, Romania, Faroe Islands, Malta
Spain will, despite their Nations League failure, be the outstanding favourites with whipping boys Faroe Islands and Malta in their group, meaning that it is another three-way fight for second – this time between Sweden, Norway and, to a lesser extent, Romania. Given their record in qualifying, Sweden would be expected to go through.
Group G
Poland, Austria, Israel, Slovenia, Macedonia, Latvia
One of the more difficult groups to call because although top seeds Poland will be expected to win the group the other teams seem to be well-balanced. Austria often flatter to deceive, Israel have struggled but Slovenia, Macedonia and Latvia could all cause problems. Not the most inspiring of groups, in truth.
Group H
France, Iceland, Turkey, Albania, Moldova, Andorra
Turkey are the fly in the ointment for France and, to a greater extent, second seeds Iceland who have not been the force they were of late having struggled after the World Cup. Albania can also be tricky opponents, although world champions France would be expected to qualify without any real difficulties. Iceland may struggle.
Group I
Belgium, Russia, Scotland, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, San Marino
Not the group Scotland would have wanted. Both Belgium and Russia pose a real threat to their chances while fourth seeds Cyprus will be hard to beat, especially at home, and Kazakhstan will provide a long and daunting trip. It may even depend on when games - specifically Scotland’s away trips - are played.
Group J
Italy, Bosnia, Finland, Greece, Armenia, Lichtenstein
Italy have struggled. But this is a group they would expect to progress from with relative ease. Bosnia have some excellent players but sometimes flatter to deceive while Finland, Greece and Armenia could all take points off each other. Would appear another well-balanced group especially with six nations.
