Euro 2024 qualifying resumed this week with several teams close to securing their spot in the tournament. Here are some of the key storylines for the two rounds of matches played from October 12 to 17:

Unbeaten Portugal and France nearing Euro 2024 qualification

Portugal have won all six of their Euro 2024 qualifiers so far, scoring 24 goals and conceding none. They could book their place in the tournament with three games to spare if they beat Slovakia on Friday.

France is also in a strong position, with five wins out of five in Group B. They can qualify for Germany by beating the Netherlands again, or by drawing if Greece lose to Ireland.

Belgium and Austria are the top two teams in Group F, and they will meet in Vienna on Friday. The two teams drew 1-1 in Brussels in June, and a win for either side would send them to the finals.

Group H finely balanced with four teams at the top

Group H of Euro 2024 qualifying is very tight, with four teams separated by just one point. Kazakhstan, who have already secured a play-off spot, are level on points with Finland, one behind Denmark and Slovenia.

The next two matchdays could be crucial in determining who qualifies directly for the tournament. Denmark host Kazakhstan on Saturday, while Slovenia is at home to Finland. On Tuesday, Kazakhstan travel to Finland, Slovenia visit Northern Ireland, and Denmark play San Marino, who have only won one of their previous 82 Euro qualifiers.

In other words, Kazakhstan has a chance to qualify for their first major tournament, but they will need to get some good results in their next two matches. Denmark and Slovenia are the favorites to qualify directly, but Finland are also in the mix. The next two matchdays should be very exciting!

Israel’s Euro 2024 bid on pause due to conflict

The war between Israel and Hamas has caused UEFA to postpone Israel’s match against Switzerland. It is unclear whether Israel’s next match against Kosovo will go ahead as scheduled.

The war has been devastating for both sides, with over 2,000 people killed and many more injured. The people of Israel and Gaza are in desperate need of help.

England face Italy in Wembley rematch of Euro 2020 final

Davide Frattesi’s Brace Puts Italy Back On Track With 2-1 Win Over Ukraine

England are leading Group C of Euro 2024 qualifying by six points, with Italy in second place but having played a game less. England got revenge for their defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final by beating them 2-1 in Naples in March. Ukraine and North Macedonia are level on points with Italy, and they will face each other on Saturday. Italy will host Malta on the same day. Luciano Spalletti began his tenure as Italy coach with a draw in North Macedonia, but he won his next match against Ukraine, easing fears of another failed qualifying campaign. If England win their next match on Tuesday, they will almost certainly seal first place in the group.