The Remaining English Clubs in Europe and How Far They Can Go

English football is flying high in Europe this season, with five clubs still in the hunt for silverware as the quarterfinals approach. Arsenal and Aston Villa are holding their own in the Champions League, Manchester United and Tottenham are battling it out in the Europa League, and Chelsea are dominating the Conference League. Each team has taken a unique path to this stage, and their chances of lifting a trophy vary based on form, history, and what lies ahead. Let’s dive into where they stand and how far they might go.

Arsenal (Champions League)

Arsenal are sitting pretty in the Champions League quarterfinals after a strong campaign. They cruised through the league phase, finishing third overall with a standout 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16. That match was a turning point, showing their attacking flair and defensive grit. Mikel Arteta’s side has been steady, losing just once in the competition so far. Key wins against Bayern Munich and a draw with Manchester City earlier in the season underline their ability to compete with Europe’s best.

Can they win it? Arsenal face Real Madrid next, a tough test given Madrid’s pedigree. Historically, Arsenal haven’t won the Champions League, but their current form—unbeaten in the Premier League since December—suggests they’re ready to push deep. If they can handle Madrid’s experience, a semifinal spot feels within reach, though lifting the trophy might hinge on avoiding slip-ups against seasoned sides.

Aston Villa (Champions League)

Aston Villa’s return to the Champions League has been a joy to watch. They finished eighth in the league phase, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 at home in a match that turned heads—Jhon Duran’s stunning goal was the difference. Their 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in the round of 16 sealed their quarterfinal spot. Unai Emery, a master of European knockout football, has kept Villa competitive despite a mixed Premier League season.

Their next challenge is Paris Saint-Germain, a team packed with talent. Villa’s chances of winning the whole thing are slimmer than Arsenal’s— they’ve never claimed this title, and their domestic form has been patchy, sitting eighth in the league. Still, Emery’s know-how and Villa’s knack for big results could see them sneak into the semifinals if they stay sharp.

Manchester United (Europa League)

Manchester United have been a mixed bag but remain unbeaten in the Europa League, finishing third in the league phase. They secured their place in the knockout stages with late wins over Viktoria Plzen and Rangers before dismantling Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16. Bruno Fernandes led by example with a hat trick in the second leg.

United now face Lyon in the quarterfinals—a winnable tie given their resurgence in form. With no teams dropping down from the Champions League this year, United have a real shot at lifting the trophy. 

They’ve won this competition before, back in 2017, and their squad has enough quality to go far. But their 14th-place standing in the Premier League raises doubts about consistency. If they can find their rhythm, the final isn’t out of sight.

Tottenham (Europa League)

Tottenham edged past AZ Alkmaar 3-2 on aggregate to book their spot in the quarterfinals. Wilson Odobert’s brace in the second leg proved decisive as Spurs overcame a nervy tie. They now face Eintracht Frankfurt, another tricky opponent.

Spurs’ chances depend on maintaining defensive solidity while capitalising on Odobert’s attacking prowess. Although they’ve had an inconsistent season overall, the Europa League offers them a chance to salvage silverware and secure Champions League football for next year.

Chelsea (Conference League)

Chelsea have been the team to beat in the Conference League, topping the league phase with six wins from six. Their 2-1 first-leg win over Copenhagen in the round of 16, followed by a comfortable home leg, confirmed their quarterfinal place. Enzo Maresca’s rotated squads have still dominated, with young players stepping up alongside veterans.

As one of the strongest teams left in the competition, Chelsea are clear favourites to lift the trophy. Their biggest challenge will likely come from Fiorentina or Rapid Wien later in the tournament. Their next matchup is against Legia Warszawa, which sounds like a winnable situation. If they maintain their current form, it’s hard to see anyone stopping them.