Soccer-England eye fifth Champions League spot as gap closes on Germany

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - West Ham United v SC Freiburg - London Stadium, London, Britain - March 14, 2024 West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoring their fourth goal with teammates REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Victories for West Ham United and Aston Villa in the Europa League and Conference League respectively on Thursday could open the door for a fifth English club to qualify for next season's revamped Champions League.

An expanded Champions League will feature 36 clubs rather than 32 in a re-structured group phase, meaning two extra places for Europe's best-performing leagues in UEFA competitions.