We’re heading towards the business end of qualification for next summer’s European Championship.

England and Scotland lead the home nations’ charge, with the latter among a small group of countries who could seal their spot at the finals in Germany during the next round of fixtures.

With a 100% record in Group A, Scotland tops the table, while England leads Group C. Wales are still in contention, but Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland’s hopes hang in the balance.

The top two teams from each group qualify for next summer’s tournament, filling 20 of the 24 spots.

Hosts Germany qualify automatically, while the other three spots are decided by play-offs, with 12 participating teams determined by their performance in the 2022-23 Nations League.

To maintain their perfect record, Clarke’s side swept Cyprus aside 3-0 on 8 September, as they did in the reverse fixture at Hampden Park in March.

The Norwegians could have qualified without kicking a ball on 12 September, but their win over Georgia denied them that opportunity.

With a draw or victory in Spain on Thursday, Scotland will be assured of a second successive European Championship appearance. Also, if third-placed Norway loses in Cyprus, they will qualify.

After hammering Georgia 7-1 on 8 September, Spain thumped Cyprus 6-0 four days later.

In Poland, England’s 100% winning record was ended by a 1-1 draw with Ukraine on 9 September.

There is a six-point lead between Gareth Southgate’s team and Italy, Ukraine, and North Macedonia, although Italy have a game in hand.

There are no fixtures in England’s next international break, but they host European champions Italy on Tuesday in a game that could decide the top spot.

Before travelling to England, they host minnows in Malta.