England and Germany became the latest European countries to book their place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup after respective wins over Slovenia and Northern Ireland.
In Group F, Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane scored in added time to give the Three Lions a slim 1-0 win over Slovenia at the Wembley Stadium. The goal was enough to seal the team’s place in Russia next year.
England’s home nations’ rivals Scotland are up to second in the group after a 1-0 home win over 10-man Slovakia courtesy an 89th minute own goal from former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. Slovakia battled hard despite Robert Mak’s early dismissal but they were denied a point by the late Scotland goal.
In Group C, world champions Germany will have a chance to defender their title in Russia after they won 3-1 against hosts Northern Ireland to book their place. Sebastien Rudy, Sandro Wagner and Joshua Kimmich gave the Germans a 3-0 lead before Josh Magennis’ late consolation for Michael O’Neill’s side. Northern Ireland need at least a point in their final game at Norway to qualify for a playoff spot.
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski became Poland’s leading scorer after he netted a hattrick in a 6-1 away win at Armenia. The Group E leaders now need just one point in their last game against Montenegro at home to qualify for Russia 2018.
Group C:
Northern Ireland 1-3 Germany
San Marino 0-8 Norway
Azerbaijan 1-2 Czech Republic
Standings:
- Germany 27 points
- Northern Ireland 19 points
- Czech Republic 12 points
- Norway 10 points
- Azerbaijan 10 points
- San Marino 0 point
Group E:
Armenia 1-6 Poland
Montenegro 0-1 Denmark
Romania 3-1 Kazakhstan
Standings:
- Poland 22 points
- Denmark 19 points
- Montenegro 16 points
- Romania 12 points
- Armenia 6 points
- Kazakhstan 2 points
Group F:
England 1-0 Slovenia
Scotland 1-0 Slovakia
Malta 1-1 Lithuania
Standings:
- England 23 points
- Scotland 17 points
- Slovakia 15 points
- Slovenia 14 points
- Lithuania 6 points
- Malta 1 point
