Premier League is now 'almost certain' to have FIVE clubs in the UCL next season

England have moved ahead of Germany in the race for an extra Champions League spot next season.

Europe's top leagues have been going head-to-head this season in a bid to earn an additional spot in next season's competition, with two countries to do so ahead of the introduction of the new Champions League format.

The continent's premier competition will be expanded from next year for the first time since 2003-2004, growing from 32 clubs in an eight-group style to 36 clubs in what is known as a 'Swiss' format.

It will see teams play eight matches in the qualification stage, four home and four away, with the top eight teams progressing to the last 16 and ninth to 24th facing off in two-legged play-offs.

Two of the extra spots will be awarded to the best-performing leagues in Europe this season, and, thanks to West Ham's win over Freiburg on Thursday night, England have raced ahead of Germany in the bid to earn the extra spot.

England have five teams remaining in Europe, with Arsenal and Manchester City in the Champions League and Liverpool and West Ham bidding for Europa League success.

Aston Villa are looking to win the Conference League having beat Ajax on Thursday.

Germany, meanwhile, have Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund left in the Champions League, with Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen progressing in the Europa League.

Italy are far ahead in the race for the extra spots, which is decided by UEFA's association coefficient rankings.

Serie A currently had 17.714 points in the ranking, ahead of Germany with 16.357 and England with 16.250.

While the league seems certain to earn one spot despite not having a team left in the Champions League, it is a straight shoot-out between England and Germany, with the former having the