England were placed in Group E in Euro 2016 qualifying. But is the competition too easy with the extended format?
Sunday saw the draw for the European Championship qualifiers, yet any excitement about England's near-certain progression into the finals was offset by an overwhelming feeling of anti-climax. Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino stand in the Three Lions' way in Group E of the competition. Rumours that the E stands for Easy were neither confirmed nor denied by the FA.
UEFA's decision to expand the tournament to 24 teams - an increase from 16 last time out - means that for England and the other teams in Pot 1 of the seeding, qualification should be a foregone conclusion. Under the current six-pot format, it was straightforward enough for us to qualify anyway without making it even easier. People may have their opinions on the the heavy weather England made of reaching the World Cup, but don't forget we did so without losing a game. With an additional eight places up for grabs for Euro 2016, second place, or even third in the group, will be enough to reach France. But can you really see England not winning the group with their proverbial hands tied behind their backs?
The lack of significant format change has rendered the whole qualification process almost meaningless. No wonder the FA are worried that they may struggle to fill Wembley Stadium for the home games this time around. Who is going to get excited by another visit of San Marino? During the World Cup campaign they were an embarrassment, frankly. Being a bad side is one thing, but at times they barely even tried to take the ball forward. It's a waste of time that we all have to play and beat them twice more.
From UEFA's point of view, it will be good for the game and for the likes of Scotland and Wales, for whom qualification is now a far more realistic proposition. But I speak for many England supporters in raising concern that 24 teams in the finals is too many. It's quantity over quality. Some of England's matches are difficult enough as it is for some people to get excited about, but knowing that we should win and will qualify before we have even started makes it a really tough sell. At least our previous campaigns have been a touch more exciting; there have been crucial, or even 'must-win' games along the way. This campaign will be so easy there's almost no point.
