World Cup qualifiers: How did the Home Nations perform?

Friday's World Cup qualifying action didn't generate any automatic qualifications for Qatar 2022, however several of the Home Nations have moved closer to booking their places.

England are eyeing automatic qualification, while Wales and Scotland have both gained a guaranteed a play-off spot.

Here's how each Home Nation got on in a bit more detail...

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland will not be jetting off to Qatar.

Northern Ireland's Josh Magennis and team-mate Paddy McNair celebrate after Lithuania's Benas Satkus scores an own goal.
Liam McBurney

Italy and Switzerland have claimed the top two spots in Group C, with the Italians only ahead of the Swiss on goal difference after they played a 1-1 draw in front of a home crowd on Friday.

Despite being out of contention, Ian Baraclough’s men managed a 1-0 win at home to Lithuania thanks to an own goal.

They host Italy at Windsor Park on Monday night.

Wales

In Group E, Wales secured a play-off spot without even playing, that’s thanks to Spain.

A penalty from Pablo Sarabia helped Spain secure a 1-0 victory in their World Cup qualifier away to Greece, which guaranteed Wales the play-off.

Wales coach Rob Page. His side earned a play-off place without kicking a ball last night.
Nick Potts

However, caretaker manager Rob Page understands that his side must finish second in the group to be seeded.

Wales can claim a top-two finish if they get four points from their final two qualifiers at home to Belarus today (19:45) and then Belgium on Tuesday (19:45).

However, the men in red would also need Belgium, the world's number one ranked side, to lose to Estonia.

Scotland

Scotland claimed their play-off spot with an impressive 2-0 win over Moldova which sees them move seven points clear of rivals Israel and Austria.

Despite their win, Steve Clarke's side remain behind Denmark who have already claimed top spot with a 100%-winning record in Group F.

Scotland will fancy their chances at ending Denmark’s impressive run when both sides clash on Monday.

England

Scotland's Kieran Tierney during the FIFA World Cup Qualifying match at the Zimbru Stadium.
Tim Goode

England have also secured a play-off spot in Group I but will have to wait until a final group fixture against San Marino to secure a spot at Qatar 2022.

The Three Lions could have qualified on Friday, but Poland's win against Andorra meant England’s emphatic 5-0 win over Albania at Wembley wasn't enough.

Poland are also guaranteed a play-off spot and could take up the top spot if England lose against San Marino. Although there's no doubting this is unlikely.

Gareth Southgate’s side only need a point against San Marino to top the group. They play on Monday at 19:45.

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their side's fourth goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Qualifying match at Wembley Stadium, London. The England captain bagged a hat trick.
Nick Potts