THERE is the real potential for some big European nations to miss out on a place at the 2018 World Cup.

Following the qualifying draw, it is not beyond the realms of fantasy that France and Italy could both fail to reach Russia in three years’ time.

Such is the way the teams were divided up prior to coming out of the hat, with in-form Wales being among the top seeds for the first time, more than one traditional powerhouse being in the same group was a distinct possibility.

And so it came to pass that France ended up in Holland’s group and Italy were dropped in with Spain.

So for England to emerge with Slovakia and Scotland as their chief threats is a major result by comparison and is why they need to make the most of the opportunity handed to them.

Roy Hodgson will be acutely aware that any slipups could see his team have to go through the play-offs and risk facing one of the losers from the European heavyweight clashes.

When seen like that, the play-offs look a whole lot tougher than winning the group.

The margin for error has certainly been reduced and the motivation for success increased.