ALL EYES ON THE EURO’S FOR GUDMUNDSSON

Iceland winger looks ahead to upcoming Euro’s qualifiers double-header

Johann Berg Gudmundsson is looking to help his country qualify for the 2024 Euro’s this week – however they get there!

Iceland take on Slovakia and Portugal knowing they can still finish second in Group J and qualify automatically for next summer’s finals.

But Gudmundsson admits it’s more likely they’re looking at the play offs in March.

“We’ll give our all in these next two games but know our time in the group stages hasn’t been good enough so it’s unlikely we will qualify though the groups places.

“I think the play-offs in March is a path for us to go through instead, so these games are good for us this week to try work out the best team that can compete and try get us through to the Euro’s in the play-off games in March.”

To secure second spot, Iceland need to beat both Slovakia and Portugal plus hope that Luxembourg and Bosnia & Herzegovina results also go their way

“It’s always special, especially coming from a small island like Iceland, to face big teams like Portugal. We actually played well in the last game against them and it was Cristiano Ronaldo that scored a winner in the 90th minute.

“Hopefully we can do a little bit better this time, but it’s always special and honour to play for your country especially in games like that.”

Both Iceland’s fixtures over the next week are away but, with news of a potential volcanic eruption, Johann’s thoughts are also close to home.

“I hope it doesn’t erupt, but if it does I just hope it’s not anywhere near people or the town that they think it could affect. It’s awful for people having to leave their homes and not knowing if it will be there when they come back.”

Gudmundsson has started the Clarets’ last three games in the Premier League and despite results not going Burnley’s way, says there are positives to take: “From a personal perspective, I’m feeling really good at the moment. Being in the side and playing regularly I feel like I can help the team a lot with my experience and qualities.

“Obviously, the results haven’t been going our way recently but the last two performances have definitely been a positive for us.

“After the international break we then have two massive home games and it will be massive for us to get some points there.

“We won’t stop believing in what we do and eventually it will come and so will the points.”