Stretfordian_Blue
Well-Known Member
But with no points at stake? What?
Hosts France to feature in qualifying
England could face France in their Euro 2016 qualifying group - but no points will be at stake with the tournament hosts' finals place already secure.
The rule change from Uefa sees France become the first host nation to take part in a Euro qualification phase.
Their addition to the group-stage draw will create nine pools of six teams, yet the games will be "centralised friendlies" with no points awarded.
The six seeding pots will be named on Friday before the draw on 23 February.
Uefa's new rule is outlined in Euro 2016 regulation article 21.02, which reads: "The teams drawn into the group of five teams will have France added to their group for the purpose of playing."
England are expected to to placed in the top-tier Pot One following their unbeaten record in qualification for the 2014 World Cup.
As a result, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Croatia and Sweden are amongst their potential opponents.
Uefa will confirm the seeding positions after their two-day executive committee meeting in Nyon, Switzerland.
Gibraltar, accepted as a separate Uefa member state after winning a court ruling, will be in in the draw for the first time.
It is possible Uefa could keep Gibraltar and Spain apart in the qualifying draw for political reasons.
Hosts France to feature in qualifying
England could face France in their Euro 2016 qualifying group - but no points will be at stake with the tournament hosts' finals place already secure.
The rule change from Uefa sees France become the first host nation to take part in a Euro qualification phase.
Their addition to the group-stage draw will create nine pools of six teams, yet the games will be "centralised friendlies" with no points awarded.
The six seeding pots will be named on Friday before the draw on 23 February.
Uefa's new rule is outlined in Euro 2016 regulation article 21.02, which reads: "The teams drawn into the group of five teams will have France added to their group for the purpose of playing."
England are expected to to placed in the top-tier Pot One following their unbeaten record in qualification for the 2014 World Cup.
As a result, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Croatia and Sweden are amongst their potential opponents.
Uefa will confirm the seeding positions after their two-day executive committee meeting in Nyon, Switzerland.
Gibraltar, accepted as a separate Uefa member state after winning a court ruling, will be in in the draw for the first time.
It is possible Uefa could keep Gibraltar and Spain apart in the qualifying draw for political reasons.