SPORTS FOR ALL...

   

Only a few moments ago, the qualifying groups were drawn in Nice for the 2016 European Championships that are set to be held in two years' time in France.

Nine groups were drawn, eight containing six teams and one containing five, with all five home nations represented.

The qualifying groups for Euro 2016 are as follows...

1. Group A - Netherlands, Czech Republic, Turkey, Latvia, Iceland, Kazakhstan.

 

A relatively tough group for the smaller teams in group one as the likes of the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Turkey will likely fight it out for the top three spots in the group.

Iceland, who almost qualified for the World Cup, could pose a threat to the bigger nations, while Latvia and Kazakhstan seem to be the group's whipping boys.

2. Group B - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Israel, Wales, Cyprus, Andorra.

 

Wales face a tough group in what will be a bid to qualify for their first ever major tournament. Belgium and Bosnia look on paper to qualify in the two automatic spaces, but Israel could pose a threat to Gareth Bale and co for the play-off place.

Cyprus and Andorra shouldn't cause too much trouble, but it seems as though Wales will need to be on top form if they are to make it to Euro 2016.

3. Group C - Spain, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belarus, Macedonia, Luxembourg.

 

Current holders Spain have been handed a fairly straightforward qualifying group ahead of Euro 2016, a competition that they will be hoping to win for an historic third consecutive time.

Ukraine and Slovakia will be left to battle it out for the second automatic place, while Belarus could prove to be a dark horse.

4. Group D - Germany, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Scotland, Georgia, Gibraltar.

 

A home nation derby as the Republic of Ireland will face off against Scotland in what will probably be a fight for third place in this group and entrance into the play-offs.

Germany and Poland seem to be favourites to qualify automatically from group D and the Tartan army have been handed a tricky qualifying campaign once again.

5. Group E - England, Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, San Marino.

 

A favourable group for England sees the Three Lions face off against Switzerland and Slovenia, who will be the only real competition in the quest to make it to France for the summer of 2016.

The likes of Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino should be dealt with fairly easily and as long as Roy Hodgson's men keep it simple, then we will be watching England at the European Championships in two summers' time.

6. Group F - Greece, Hungary, Romania, Finland, Northern Ireland, Faroe Islands.

 

An extremely tough group for Northern Ireland as Hungary, Romania and Greece will be strong opponents. One would expect the Greek and Romanian sides to make the automatic qualifying spots, but Hungary have been steadily impressing over the past few years.

It is not impossible for Northern Ireland, but this is certainly no walk in the park, with tough opposition a plenty.

7. Group G - Russia, Sweden, Austria, Montenegro, Moldova, Liechtenstein.

 

Group G has an Eastern European feel to it, with trips to Moldova, Liechtenstein, Montengro and Russia for Sweden and Austria.

Russia will be favourites to qualify in first position, while Sweden, Montenegro and Austria will fight amongst themselves for that final automatic place in second and a spot in the play-offs in third.

8. Group H - Italy, Croatia, Norway, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Malta.

 

European heavyweights Italy and Croatia should have absolutely no problem finishing in the top two positions here, with both countries expected to be satisfied with group H.

Bulgaria and Norway look the most likely to finish in third place, which will guarantee a place in the play-offs.

9. Group I - Portugal, Denmark, Serbia, Armenia, Albania.

 

Portugal won't have it easy if they are to make it to Euro 2016, with Denmark and Serbia tough opponents in the only group that contains five nations.

Host nation France are also relevant as they will play each of these countries both home and away, however, they will merely be international friendlies.