Paris (AFP)

England, the author of a clear fault so far, can validate his ticket for the Euro-2020 on Friday in the Czech Republic while France, deprived of several important players, can get closer if good negotiate a tricky trip to Iceland.

More than a win and the English, winners of their first four games, will secure their place in the European Championship, whose final will be held at Wembley.

With his attack of fire (19 goals), the selection of the "Three Lions" prances at the top of group A (with one match less) and even strolled against the Czech Republic (5-0) in London in March , opening qualifications.

Since then, Sevilla FC goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik and his partners have signed three victories against modest opponents (one against Bulgaria, two against Montenegro), but have stumbled on the carpet in Kosovo (defeat 2-1), their direct competitor for the second ticket, which will receive Montenegro on Monday.

While England can rely on his scorer Harry Kane and the frisky youth of Chelsea (Mount, Tomori, Abraham), the French must contend with cascading packages before going to challenge Iceland, revelation of the Euro-2016.

Kylian Mbappé, insufficiently recovered from an injury to a thigh, is not there just like Paul Pogba, touched ankle, as well as captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who dislocated his left elbow last weekend with Tottenham and will be absent until the end of 2019.

Although N'Golo Kanté and Tanguy Ndombélé, injured in September, are back in the middle of the field, this is not the best context to try to pierce the safe of the small Laugardalsvöllur (9,800 seats), where the Icelanders have lost only three of the 22 games played over the last six years.

A victory would allow the world champions, winners of Iceland 4-0 in the first leg, to take another step towards the Euro and to tackle in the best conditions the reception of the Turks on Monday with whom they share the first place in group H.

In Pool B, Ukrainian leaders need to take four points in their next two meetings, against Lithuania, Red Lantern, Friday, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Monday to secure their qualification. The champions of Europe in title, second with a mixed record (2V, 2N), receive Luxembourg Friday.

The program of the matches of Friday (20:45 in French hours, GMT + 2):

Group A

Montenegro - Bulgaria

Rep. Czech - England

Group B

Ukraine - Lithuania

Portugal - Luxembourg

Group H

Turkey - Albania

Iceland - France

Andorra - Moldova

© 2019 AFP