The upcoming international action gives us the chance to assess who out of the home nations can qualify for the World Cup in 2014 as countries prepare for their first group games with the planned final destination being Brazil in two years’ time.
England
Having made it to the last four World Cups, it would be a major surprise if the Three Lions failed to negotiate the group stage for Brazil 2014 over the next 18 months or so (2/5f to win Group H). England’s recent pre-tournament qualifying record is actually very, very good – it’s just when the real action itself gets underway that they let everyone down. Expectations were rightly lowered for Euro 2012 and Roy Hodgson’s side eventually went out on penalties – again – to Italy in the summer as they found their usual level and exited at the quarter-final stage. A group containing Moldova, Ukraine (9/2 to win Group H), Montenegro, Poland and San Marino looks tricky at worst but fairly straightforward at best and expect Hodgson to guide his side through to Brazil without too many problems. It’s just following that the hard work will start.
Verdict - Qualify as Group H winners.
Wales
Wales (28/1 to win Group A) have only ever made it to one World Cup – in 1958 – and are outsiders once again to make it through another tough qualifying group. Chris Coleman’s side face Belgium (who appear to have a ‘golden generation’ of top stars coming through), a talented Croatia, while they also must take on traditionally-tough opponents Macedonia and Serbia home and away and UK rivals Scotland in two games. Under former boss Gary Speed, Wales were on the up but, after his tragic passing earlier this year, the country’s football team have suffered, perhaps predictably so, as a whole new coaching team and methods have had to be implemented. There is talent available to Coleman but Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and an ageing Craig Bellamy will, sadly, probably not be able to carry them through to Brazil on their own.
Verdict - Fourth in Group A.
Scotland
Scotland’s latest bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998 begins with a winnable home match against Serbia on Saturday and they will hope to get off to a good start to give them a chance of making Brazil 2014 (18/1 to win Group A). The Scots have made good starts before, however, and then have faded badly when the crucial games came around but they will look at Group A and believe qualification can be theirs. Belgium (7/4f to win Group A) will more than likely top the standings but Craig Levein’s side can push Croatia hard for second spot and may just even sneak in as runners-up if they maintain their good home form and mix it up by being difficult to beat away from Hampden. It won’t be easy, of course, and Wales and Macedonia will be difficult opponents too but there is a feeling Scotland can finally progress, especially if Jordan Rhodes can transfer his prolific club form onto the international stage.
Verdict - Qualify as runners-up in Group B.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland have not made the World Cup finals since their famous 1986 showing in Mexico and they do not appear to have enough strength in depth to make it out of Group F (40/1 to win Group). Michael O’Neill’s side will have been delighted with the draw as, aside from traditional heavyweights Russia and Portugal, Azerbaijan, Israel and Luxembourg could all be viewed as beatable opponents, especially in front of a packed, passionate Windsor Park crowd. They have probably the toughest of starts in Russia on Friday, though, and, while Northern Ireland might just pick up a win or two along the way, qualification again looks a bridge too far for the European minnows.
Verdict - Fourth in Group F.
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