McClaren Not Alone As Club Success Hits Big Nations

Kevin McCarra: Countries whose teams fare well in the Champions League are suffering more than others in their Euro 2008 quest

The struggle to qualify:

Italy: Group B

Drew 1-1 in Lithuania and lost 3-1 in France.

To qualify Italy need to beat Scotland, or draw with Scotland then beat the Faroes. If France lose to Ukraine, a win in the Faroes will do.

England: Group E

Drew 0-0 at home to Macedonia, lost 2-0 in Croatia and lost 2-1 in Russia.

To qualify If Croatia lose to Macedonia: England can go through if they beat Croatia 2-0, depending on goal difference, or by three goals. If Croatia draw with or beat Macedonia: if Russia lose to Israel a draw with Croatia is enough for England; if Russia draw in Israel England will qualify if they beat Croatia; if Russia beat Israel, England are almost certainly out as Russia only need to defeat Andorra.

Spain: Group F

Lost 3-2 in Northern Ireland and 2-0 in Sweden.

To qualify Need to win one of their two games, or draw one and hope other results go their way.