From 6-9 December the European Mixed Team Qualification gets underway in seven different countries across Europe. Group 1 will be hosted by the favourite team, England.
Three matches in three days – that is the draw for Group 1 at the European Mixed Team Qualification that consists of four teams: England, Belgium, Italy and Hungary.
Only the winner of this group will qualify for the European Mixed Team Championship that gets underway from 13-17 February in Copenhagen, Denmark.
First matches on Friday
The matches of Group 1 are taking place in the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes, and begin on Friday, the 7th of December at 1.00 PM (local time). First, Hungary is meeting Belgium, then, Team England is playing against Team Italy at 6.30 PM.
Find the draws for Saturday and Sunday here
England is the favourite of this group, as the team was able to reach the semi-finals at the last European Mixed Team Championships in 2017. Besides, a lot of players from Team England participate at an international level.
Strong Doubles and Men’s Singles from England
In the Mixed Doubles, the pair of Chris and Gabrielle Adcock, as well as Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith are strong opponents.
Marcus Ellis, who is the European player with the most BWF tournament titles this year, is also playing in Men’s Doubles with his partner, Chris Langridge.
Chloe Birch and Lauren Smith are a new but strong pair in Women’s Doubles, and Rajiv Ouseph, as well as Toby Penty, are good options for Team England in Men’s Singles.
England with the most players
Team England nominated seven men and six women for the European Mixed Team Qualification and is, therefore, the team with the most nominated players.
Belgium and Italy have nominated eleven players for their team, whereas Hungary named seven players in total.
Find the nominated players for each team of Group 1 here: