The English Football League Championship, commonly known as the English Championship, is one of the most competitive football leagues in the world. It is the second tier of English football, just below the Premier League. With 24 teams battling for promotion, the league is known for its unpredictability, exciting matches, and talented players.
This article covers everything about the English Championship, including the latest table standings, fixtures, live viewing options, results, predictions, and more.
What is the English Championship?
The EFL Championship (English Football League Championship) is the second-highest division in English football. The season runs from August to May, with teams playing 46 matches each.
Promotion and Relegation
- Top 2 teams earn automatic promotion to the Premier League.
- Teams finishing 3rd to 6th enter the playoffs, with the winner also getting promoted.
- Bottom 3 teams are relegated to League One.
English Championship History
The English Championship has evolved over the years and has produced some of the most thrilling football seasons in history. Originally known as Division One, the league was rebranded as the EFL Championship in 2004.
Notable past winners include:
- Newcastle United (2009, 2017) – Dominated the league both times they were relegated from the Premier League.
- Leicester City (2014) – Won the Championship before going on to win the Premier League in 2016.
- Norwich City (2019, 2021) – Frequent yo-yo club between the Championship and Premier League.
English Championship Table 2025
Here’s how the league standings look as of now:
Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | Form |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leeds United | 46 | 29 | 13 | 4 | 95 | 30 | 65 | 100 | – |
Burnley | 46 | 28 | 16 | 2 | 69 | 16 | 53 | 100 | – |
Sheffield United* | 46 | 28 | 8 | 10 | 63 | 36 | 27 | 90 | – |
Sunderland | 46 | 21 | 13 | 12 | 58 | 44 | 14 | 76 | – |
Coventry City | 46 | 20 | 9 | 17 | 64 | 58 | 6 | 69 | – |
Bristol City | 46 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 59 | 55 | 4 | 68 | – |
Blackburn Rovers | 46 | 19 | 9 | 18 | 53 | 48 | 5 | 66 | – |
Millwall | 46 | 18 | 12 | 16 | 47 | 49 | -2 | 66 | – |
West Bromwich Albion | 46 | 15 | 19 | 12 | 57 | 47 | 10 | 64 | – |
Middlesbrough | 46 | 18 | 10 | 18 | 64 | 56 | 8 | 64 | – |
Swansea City | 46 | 17 | 10 | 19 | 51 | 56 | -5 | 61 | – |
Sheffield Wednesday | 46 | 15 | 13 | 18 | 60 | 69 | -9 | 58 | – |
Norwich City | 46 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 71 | 68 | 3 | 57 | – |
Watford | 46 | 16 | 9 | 21 | 53 | 61 | -8 | 57 | – |
Queens Park Rangers | 46 | 14 | 14 | 18 | 53 | 63 | -10 | 56 | – |
Portsmouth | 46 | 14 | 12 | 20 | 58 | 71 | -13 | 54 | – |
Oxford United | 46 | 13 | 14 | 19 | 49 | 65 | -16 | 53 | – |
Stoke City | 46 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 45 | 62 | -17 | 51 | – |
Derby County | 46 | 13 | 11 | 22 | 48 | 56 | -8 | 50 | – |
Preston North End | 46 | 10 | 20 | 16 | 48 | 59 | -11 | 50 |
Position | Team | Points |
---|---|---|
1st | Leeds United | 100 |
2nd | Burnley FC | 100 |
3rd | Sheffield United | 90 |
4th | Sunderland AFC | 76 |
5th | Sunderland | 69 |
6th | Coventry city | 68 |
Relegation Battle
Teams at the bottom of the table are fighting to avoid relegation:
Position | Team | Points |
22nd | Luton Town | 49 |
23rd | Plymouth Argyle | 46 |
24th | Cardiff City | 44 |
English Championship Fixtures
Upcoming important matches in the English Champion ship:
Season has been finished leed have been crowned champions
For the full list of fixtures, visit the official EFL website.
Where to Watch English Championship Live
Fans can watch live matches through multiple platforms:
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports, Sky GO, Sky Sports+
- United States: CBS Sports Network, ESPN+
- Other Countries: Local sports channels, EFL iFollow (streaming service)
Latest English Championship Results
Here are some recent match results:
Date | Match | Score |
Feb 24, 2025 | Leeds vs Sheffield | 3-1 |
Feb 23, 2025 | Sunderland vs Blackburn | 2-2 |
Feb 22, 2025 | Burnley vs West Brom | 1-0 |
English Championship Predictions
As the season nears its end, these are the predictions for promotion and playoffs:
Promotion Favorites
- Leeds United: Strong lead in the table, consistent form.
- Sheffield United: Strong defense and good attack.
- Burnley FC: Playoff contenders but still a chance for automatic promotion.
Playoff Contenders
- Sunderland AFC, West Brom, Blackburn Rovers
- Coventry City: Recently improved and could challenge for a top 6 spot.
Relegation Candidates
- Luton Town, Derby County, Plymouth Argyle are struggling and could drop to League One.
Championship Table 2 – The Mid-Table Battle
Many teams in the middle of the table are still pushing for a higher finish.
Position | Team | Points |
7th | Coventry City | 50 |
8th | Hull City | 48 |
9th | Norwich City | 46 |
10th | Middlesbrough | 45 |
These teams still have a chance to push for the playoffs.
Championship Fan Experience
Championship fans passionately support their teams, creating an electric atmosphere in packed stadiums that makes every matchday an intense experience. Clubs like Leeds United, Sunderland, and Sheffield United boast some of the most loyal fanbases in England.
Financial Fair Play in the Championship
The English Championship operates under Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, which limit clubs from overspending beyond their means. Many clubs have struggled with FFP penalties in recent years, affecting their ability to sign top players and compete at the highest level. Clubs must balance their finances wisely to ensure sustainability while remaining competitive.
The Future of the English Championship
Looking ahead, the Championship continues to grow in popularity worldwide. With increasing TV revenues and international fan engagement, the league continues to grow into an even bigger spectacle. Discussions around improving VAR technology, club ownership regulations, and youth development could shape the future of the league.
Conclusion
The English Champion ship 2025 season has been full of excitement, and the battle for promotion is heating up. With thrilling matches ahead, fans can expect plenty of drama, goals, and surprises.
Stay tuned for more updates on the English Championship table, fixtures, live streaming, results, and predictions!