Kazakhstan conjure up a miracle 😲

[JackSomething]

Wouldn't we still get a playoff, even if we finished third due to our nations league performance?

Yep, although we'd get a better seeding if we finish second as baka has said. I'm bemused by people thinking the game against Belgium is make or break, we'd probably not finish top of the group even if we win that game. The biggest thing a win would do is give us breathing room for second place ahead of North Macedonia, as long as Belgium beat them.

The real make or break game is the final one against NM, as we're likely to go into it needing a win to finish second, while they will probably only need a point to stay ahead of us.

 

[Frankie Burrows Cap]

Yep, although we'd get a better seeding if we finish second as baka has said. I'm bemused by people thinking the game against Belgium is make or break, we'd probably not finish top of the group even if we win that game. The biggest thing a win would do is give us breathing room for second place ahead of North Macedonia, as long as Belgium beat them.

The real make or break game is the final one against NM, as we're likely to go into it needing a win to finish second, while they will probably only need a point to stay ahead of us.

100% this.

And the difference between a playoff place from finishing second, where we’d be in pot 2 at worst (probably pot 1) and avoid any big hitters that don’t win their group - and a playoff place via the Nations league where we’d be in pot 4 and away to one of the top seeds is massive.

Getting a home draw again in the final is 50-50 (hopefully we get luck of the draw for the 3rd time in a row!)

 

[SeaJack]

Wouldn't we still get a playoff, even if we finished third due to our nations league performance?

You are correct, but I was hoping to be just behind Belgium in the table and secure ourselves a better chance of a berth in the World Cup.

Naturally, I’d take a playoff spot if it meant us being given a fighting chance to make it to the tournament proper, although automatic qualification and no further nail biting until the competition itself begins in the US, would be the ideal, if a little idealistic.