Football’s Current Affairs – Europe and England

 by Attish D

As we approach the end of another entertaining, lively, and appealing season of football, the final matches that take place are always the most important in the entire, 9-month period. So, what are these important events, and what importance will this give for the clubs with greatest potential?

Firstly, European competitions are approaching their demise, with three key finals being scheduled through the Champions League, Europa League, and the Europa Conference League. Over the past week we have witnessed great 2^nd legs of the semi-finals with Paris Saint Germain knocked out by Dortmund, with an aggregate of 0 – 2, as well as a highly entertaining draw where Real Madrid had defeated Bayern Munich by 4 goals to 3, scoring 2 goals in quick succession close to the finish of the game. The final of the Champions League will be played in our very own Wembley Stadium on 1 June 2024, between Real Madrid and Dortmund, who both have their capabilities to defeat one another. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (PSG) and Luuk de Jong (PSV) all see the joint most goals with 8 each, and Ricardo Horta of Braga seeing the most assists. Additionally, the Europa League sees Bayer Leverkusen (with an outstanding 49 match win streak) against Atalanta (who had defeated Liverpool previously) in the Aviva Stadium of Dublin, Ireland.  Also, the Conference League shows the final being between Olympiacos of Greece and Fiorentina of Italy.

Going domestically, the English football league has also many fixtures that are entertaining to the followers of clubs within. In the Premier League, the topflight of English football, the title race is microscopically close with both Manchester City (82) and Arsenal (83) just 1 point apart with 3 and 2 games remaining respectively, and Liverpool closely behind with 78 points. With 4th place currently is Aston Villa, followed by Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Manchester United all-in conflict for places in European football for the next season. Those relegated include Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town, who may stay up if Nottingham Forest loses both matches to come. Erling Haaland of Manchester City sees the most goals in the Premier League (25) so far, and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa having the most assists (13). The Championship (second tier) sees Leicester being directly promoted by winning the league, and Leeds, Norwich, Southampton, and West Bromwich all looking for promotion through the playoffs. Huddersfield and Rotherham concede relegation to League One.

Our beloved Portsmouth have officially won the League One, gaining direct promotion to the Championship, with Colbie Bishop being the top scorer for the team with 21 goals. As well as this, Bolton and Oxford United will play in the playoff final for promotion to the Championship, and Derby County also gain promotion. Cheltenham, Fleetwood, Port Vale and Carlisle have been relegated to League 2. In League 2, Crawley Town play Crewe Alexandra in the playoff final for promotion to league 1, and Stockport, Wrexham and Mansfield Town have been promoted directly. Sutton United and Forest Green are relegated.

Also coming up in June is the European Football Championship, where England has been placed in a group consisting of four teams: England, Slovenia, Serbia and Denmark.