England is set to have four guaranteed places in the Champions League group stage from the 2018-19 season.

Currently there are automatic spots for three English clubs, with a fourth having to qualify through a play-off, as Manchester City did this week after finishing fourth in the Premier League last term.

It is understood a revamp will see the top four nations in UEFA’s rankings for club competitions – currently Spain, Germany, England and Italy – each get guaranteed places for the teams finishing in the top four in those leagues.

 

An announcement on the matter is expected from European football’s governing body Today, with a series of meetings having taken place on Yesterday after several months of UEFA consultations with stakeholders.

It comes at a time when the threat of a breakaway European Super League has appeared considerable.

Five of the English game’s established powers – Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool – denied they were involved in discussions for such a tournament earlier this year.

Written by David Kugonza