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What are England’s best and worst case scenarios in the Euro 2024 draw?
What are England’s best and worst case scenarios in the Euro 2024 draw?
England have ensured a high seeding for next summer’s Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate’s side topped qualifying Group C unbeaten, securing a tally of 20 points to finish as one of the five best group winners. That ensured that they are in Pot 1 for the draw alongside Germany, Portugal, France, Spain and Belgium. It means that the Euro 2020 runners-up will not face any of those five sides in the group stages. That makes England’s path to knock-out stage qualification easier, though there are still plenty of strong sides in the other three pots. With three play-off qualifiers still to be confirmed, the pots look like this: Pot 1: Germany (hosts), Portugal, France, Spain, Belgium, England Pot 2: Hungary, Turkey, Romania, Denmark, Albania, Austria Pot 3: Netherlands, Scotland, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic Pot 4: Italy, Serbia, Switzerland, Play-off winner A, Play-off winner B, Play-off winner C So what is the toughest possible draw for England? While the pots are based on qualifying form, and thus a useful gauge of team quality, we will go by Fifa’s world rankings to determine the best and worst case scenarios for Southgate and his side. The toughest possible draw for England (current world ranking 3rd) would be: Denmark (19th), Netherlands (6th), Italy (9th). The simplest draw, meanwhile, would comprise of: Albania (62nd), Slovenia (54th), Kazakhstan* (100th). *Kazakhstan are part of qualifying play-off Path C When is Euro 2024? The 17th edition of the men’s Euros will be held in Germany between 14 June and 14 July. Which cities are hosting fixtures? Berlin Munich Hamburg Dusseldorf Frankfurt Cologne Stuttgart Gelsenkirchen Leipzig Dortmund Read More What time is the Euro 2024 draw and what are the pots? Euro 2024 draw: Top seeds England could face Scotland and Wales What are Scotland’s best and worst scenarios in the Euro 2024 draw? Euro 2024: The cheapest ways to follow England and Scotland in Germany next summer Why winless Iceland are in Euro 2024 play-offs and 10-point Norway are not Wales to host Finland in Euro 2024 semi-final play-off
2023-12-02 18:59
US wages rose at a solid pace this summer, posing challenge for Fed's inflation fight
US wages rose at a solid pace this summer, posing challenge for Fed's inflation fight
Wages and benefits grew at a slightly faster pace in the July-September quarter than the previous three months, a benefit to workers that also represents a risk to the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation
2023-10-31 20:49
Chelsea defender ruled out of international squad for October fixtures
Chelsea defender ruled out of international squad for October fixtures
Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has withdrawn from France's squad due to a quad injury.
2023-10-10 03:15
12 smart ways to save money on everyday back-to-school costs
12 smart ways to save money on everyday back-to-school costs
Back-to-school shopping can create a hole in parents’ budgets at the best of times, but with a cost-of-living squeeze in full swing, money is particularly tight this year. At a time when every cutback counts, here are some ways to save some money on the costs that will earn you top marks for effort. 1. Check what you have This can be particularly useful if you have more than one child and need to pass items down. When sorting clothing, create piles of those that are in good condition, those that need repairs, and items that are beyond salvaging. Alice Haine, a personal finance analyst at investment platform Bestinvest, says: “Carry out a full audit to see what uniform, stationery items, lunchboxes and water bottles you already have. “You may find unused items still in pristine condition at the back of a cupboard, or used items that are good to go for a second or third academic year – after all, you only want to buy new if you have to.” 2. Create a ‘sell’ pile Haine suggests: “If your child has outgrown some of their uniform, sell them on Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp groups, and use the cash to buy new items.” Vinted is worth a try, too. 3. List everything you need Once you’ve sorted through everything, make a list of the items you need to acquire. If you have a clear idea, you’re less likely to waste money doubling up, plus, you can buy what’s needed as and when you spot special offers. Depending on your circumstances, it may also be worth checking your government website for grants which could help with school uniform costs. 4. Be clear on school rules You could end up wasting your money if you buy items which don’t match school policies. Haine says: “If you are heading to a new school, check the uniform policy before you buy. Some schools may demand a certain style or colour.” 5. Team up with parents for ‘bulk buys’ “Some multipack prices may seem like great deals, but you might not need four items, so team up with a fellow parent to share the cost,” says Haine. 6. Remember that the cheapest price isn’t always the best value “When it comes to shoes, it can pay to go for a slightly better brand,” suggests Haine. “Cheap shoes can have a short shelf-life when you consider how much they get battered at school. Keep the receipt, because if shoes do fall apart over a short period of time, some stores may replace them with a new pair.” 7. Make sure there’s ‘growing room’ “Always go a size up if your child is still growing, especially on the pricier items, such as blazers, to ensure you get the most out of the investment,” says Haine. “Some brands even sell trousers with a grow-proof hem that can be let down and pressed with an iron, to ensure clothes last longer.” 8. Go refurbished Abigail Yearley, a spokesperson for website TopCashback.co.uk, says: “There are plenty of trustworthy and reliable sites that sell second-hand or refurbished tech, which works as good as new. Just make sure it comes with good warranty before buying.” You may also be able to buy refurbished devices directly from the manufacturer, she says. 9. Look out for second-hand items Check the school’s website for information on buying second-hand uniforms. “Many schools offer a pre-loved uniform service, so checking if that’s available to you should be the first point of action,” suggests Yearley. “If that’s not an option, check on the parents’ group chat if anyone is looking to give away or swap items they no longer need. It’s also worth scouting out Facebook Marketplace and popping into your local charity shops.” 10. Compare prices online Browsing online is a fast way to research and compare prices. Websites such as TopCashback can also help people to get some cashback on purchases from brands such as Clarks, Wilko and Dell, for example. 11. Look out for supermarket staples Tesco, for example, is running a discount deal on selected stationery and lunchtime essentials for its Clubcard members, until September 7, subject to availability. Yearley says: “All the big supermarkets tend to run back-to-school events during the summer months, so make sure you keep an eye out for them. “It’s especially worth checking out discount supermarkets like Aldi, as their back-to-school events are known for bargain prices. “Even if you’ve missed the special event, it’s worth checking their middle aisle, as often you’ll find things like stationery and lunchboxes, which are still cheaper than buying elsewhere.” 12. Get something back for donating M&S has expanded its ‘shwopping’ scheme, with dedicated school uniform shwopping boxes in over 200 stores, to encourage families to donate pre-loved school uniform, to be resold in Oxfam and through a pilot shop with eBay. As a thank you for shwopping school uniform, M&S Sparks customers can receive 20% off selected kids clothing from the retailer. Similarly, if last year’s school shoes are now a battered pair of Kickers, you can recycle them through their Reskinned initiative, which will also get you £15 towards a pair for the new school year. And Schuh offer a £5 voucher for every pair of unwanted shoes you donate, as part of their Sell Your Soles scheme. All these savings really do add up. Read More How to help your child make friends at secondary school Parents should already start getting their kids ready to go back to school, according to research Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-29 19:33
What is Tom Cruise's position in Church of Scientology? 'Misson Impossible' star may testify in Leah Remini's lawsuit
What is Tom Cruise's position in Church of Scientology? 'Misson Impossible' star may testify in Leah Remini's lawsuit
Tom Cruise might join Leah Remini on her one-woman quest to bring the Church of Scientology to its knees
2023-08-06 16:35
Barbie is a hit and all kinds of business are hopping on the bandwagon
Barbie is a hit and all kinds of business are hopping on the bandwagon
For marketers, Barbie has turned into a massive opportunity: A rosy, fizzy way to get new customers and stay culturally relevant. That's always a good opportunity, but especially now, when even seemingly benign marketing campaigns can be controversial.
2023-07-29 17:00
Tony Bennett, last of classic American crooners, dead at 96
Tony Bennett, last of classic American crooners, dead at 96
Tony Bennett, the last in a generation of classic American crooners whose ceaselessly cheery spirit bridged generations to make him a hitmaker across seven decades, died Friday...
2023-07-21 21:09
Australia retain Warner for fourth Ashes Test
Australia retain Warner for fourth Ashes Test
David Warner has kept his place in Australia's XI for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford despite the opener's ongoing struggles...
2023-07-18 23:20
California aims to introduce more anglers to native warm-water tolerant sunfish as planet heats up
California aims to introduce more anglers to native warm-water tolerant sunfish as planet heats up
California’s only native sunfish, Sacramento perch, was once so abundant it was a regular staple in San Francisco’s markets, but its numbers declined with the introduction of non-native fish in the early 20th century and today it exists in little more than a couple dozen isolated lakes
2023-08-15 12:08
Paul Landis: Secret Service agent who witnessed JFK's assassination raises new questions about 'magic bullet' theory
Paul Landis: Secret Service agent who witnessed JFK's assassination raises new questions about 'magic bullet' theory
'If what he says is true, it is likely to reopen the question of a second shooter, if not even more,' according to a history scholar
2023-09-10 20:49
Hong Kong Chief to Visit Singapore, Asean Members in July: SCMP
Hong Kong Chief to Visit Singapore, Asean Members in July: SCMP
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is planning to lead a one-week delegation to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia
2023-05-21 14:22
Ticketmaster halts Taylor Swift ticket sales in France in another headache for fans
Ticketmaster halts Taylor Swift ticket sales in France in another headache for fans
Ticketmaster has abruptly postponed ticket sales for six of Taylor Swift's upcoming shows in France
2023-07-12 16:43