England could see seven clubs in Champions League next year, here’s how 

With Newcastle´s 3-2 win over Qarabag FK on Tuesday night, there are now six Premier League clubs in the Round of 16 coming up in next month. It’s been a sensational start to the Champions League campaign, but England could see even more clubs in Europe´s top international competition next season.

Arsenal topped UCL league phase

With the new format of the Champions League there are 36 spots up for grabs in the league phase of the season. This season there were six Premier League sides, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City and Newcastle all passing through the league phase and into the knockout stages.

As always, the top four clubs in the Premier League are guaranteed a spot in the Champions at the end of every campaign, but England could see as many as three other spots open up in next years UCL.

One of those extra spots would come because of England being best performing nation in Europe´s club competitions. At the moment that doesn’t look like it’s in doubt. There are six Premier League clubs in the Round of 16, miles ahead of Germany, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Could stars align for Premier League

That would give England five clubs to be guaranteed a place in the league phase next year. A potential sixth spot could be awarded to an English side should one of the clubs that are on pace to finish outside the top five lift the Champions League title in Budapest come late May. Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle are currently on the outside looking in, and may have depend on a UCL title to get automatic entry into the Champions League next season.

Then there is the Europa League. Aston Villa are currently one of the favorites to take the title, but Nottingham Forest is a dark horses to make a shock run to the Final. Villa are looking like a side that will finish in the top five, and if they end the season that way they are in, no matter whether or not they win Europa League.

Should Nottingham Forest, who won their first leg of the knockout stage 3-0 over Fenerbahce, go on to win it all in the Europa League, England could see a record seven clubs playing in Champions League next season. It’s a bit of a long shot, and the stars would have to align to see that many Premier League clubs in next year´s UCL league phase, but they way English clubs are playing you certainly wouldn’t put it past them.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.