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England's World Cup hopes are on the line in Kiev on Tuesday, with them needing to avoid defeat to remain masters of their own destiny.

Victory would mean a win against Montenegro next month would take them to Brazil. But losing would leave them in danger of missing out on the play-offs.

They are not the only side facing key battles. Mirror Sport analyses the European battleground – and suggests the likely group winners and runners-up, who could lie in wait in November if England fall short of top spot - before taking a look at the other qualification areas around the world.

Europe

Group A

Belgium need just two points from their last two games to be certain of top spot, although a draw in Croatia next month would be enough. The Croats are set for the play-offs.

Group B

Italy need just one win from their last three games and can seal the deal against the Czech Republic in Turin. With the next four all cutting each others’ throats, this could be the unlucky group where the second-placed team does not make the play-offs.

Group C

Germany, who will ease past the Faroe Islands, may have to wait until next month to confirm their passage as group winners. Ireland probably have to win in Vienna to keep their hopes alive but Sweden are firmly in the box seat.

Group D

Despite their near-embarrassment in Estonia, bailed out by a last-minute penalty equaliser, the Dutch can only be denied by an implausible series of results after they win in Andorra tomorrow. Romania’s win over Hungary propelled them into second and tomorrow’s game with Turkey in Bucharest is win or bust for the visitors.

(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos)

Group E

Norway will close to within a point of Switzerland, who tossed away a 4-1 lead against Iceland to only draw on Friday, if they can beat the group leaders in Oslo. A Swiss win would allow Albania to go second if they win in Reykjavik.

Group F

Russia, who finish against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan next month, can leapfrog Portugal and make themselves favourites to win the group if they beat Israel in

St Petersburg. Israel host Portugal next month but would be virtually out of contention with a defeat against Fabio Capello’s side.

Group G

Bosnia’s shock home defeat by Latvia allowed Greece to draw level on points but the Balkan side have three winnable games and a great opportunity to qualify for their first World Cup if they can recover in Slovakia tomorrow.

Group I

Spain need just four points from home games with Belarus and Georgia next month to be assured of top spot. France looked a shoo-in for second but face an anxious month if their goal drought continues to haunt them in Belarus. Finland, who go to Tbilisi tomorrow, would still need a handsome win in Paris next month.

(Image: Scott Heavey)

Africa

The play-off line-up is almost complete in Africa, with all ten groups having been settled. There have a couple of surprises - Ethiopia edged out South Africa in Group A, while Cape Verde trumped Tunisia - but traditional giants like Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon have all reached the next stage. There will now be five matches to decide who reaches Brazil.

Asia

South Korea, Iran, Japan and Australia have already sealed qualification for 2014. The play-off between Jordan and Uzbekistan is poised at 1-1 after the first leg, which will be completed on Tuesday. The winner will play whoever finishes fifth in South America.

North/Central America

Mexico are in serious danger of missing out on the World Cup for the first time since 1990, with Costa Rica and the USA leading the way in the CONCACAF region. Honduras are currently in third, and can take a big step towards the finals with a win over Panama. Mexico, meanwhile, face the USA in a must-win game on Tuesday.

Oceania

Done and dusted here: New Zealand will face the side that finishes fourth in CONCACAF in the inter-continental play-off.

South America

Argentina, Colombia and Chile occupy the top three spots in the CONMEBOL region, although the latter have played one game more than Ecuador, who are in fourth. Uruguay, who performed so well in South Africa in 2010 are currently down in fifth, meaning they could face an awkward play-off to qualify.