Euro without Norwegians, Scots, Ukrainians or Swedes? Which favoured teams may have problems to advance?

On Sunday, the Euro 2024 qualifiers were drawn in Germany. The top two teams from each of the ten groups will advance, while the twelve highest-ranked teams in the last edition of the Nations League will compete for the remaining four spots. Which countries will have the hardest time qualifying directly?

Scotland/Norway

Right away in Group A, a big fight for second place is expected. The Spanish are the main favourites for the top spot and a comfortable first place, while the Norwegians and the Scots will fight for the next promotion spot. Both teams are at a similar level.

The Norwegians have a growing golden generation, Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland are shining in the Premier League, and the domestic league has also gone up. The Scots have made it to the elite group of the Nations League, with most of their squad playing among England’s elite. Both national teams have ambitions to advance directly, but the black Peter is likely to fall on one of them.

Ukraine

If any group can be described as lethal, it’s definitely the C’s. Italy have been drawn from the first basket, England from the second, the two finalists of the last Euro. And from the third basket, the quarter-finalists Ukraine will keep them company.

The Ukrainians have also picked themselves up in recent years, missing the autumn World Cup in Qatar in a barrage against Wales, with the islanders clearly inferior. Ukraine can definitely fight for second place and direct promotion.

Sweden/Austria

In Group G, Belgium will be the main contenders for the top spot. Although its golden generation is slowly coming to an end, Kevin De Bruyne or Romelu Lukaku are still names. For second place it will be a battle between Sweden and Austria.

The Swedes came from the third basket, yet they will probably be the favourite. They have an experienced squad, on the other hand, they also have interesting youngsters in the top 5 leagues. Austria, on the other hand, relies on players proven in the Bundesliga.

Source: UEFA