Thursday’s European ties could spell end of hopes for fifth placeItaly and Germany currently the likeliest to take two extra spotsEngland’s hopes of securing an extra spot in next season’s expanded Champions League are hanging by a thread after the exits of Manchester City and Arsenal from this season’s competition on Wednesday night – with Germany now the strong favourites to pip them to the prize.The picture could become more gloomy or even terminal for England by the close of play on Thursday night when the Europa League and Europa Conference League quarter-final second legs are concluded, with West Ham’s tie against Bayer Leverkusen in the former potentially pivotal. Continue reading...