BURNLEY will enter the Europa League at the second qualifying round if they finish seventh, regardless of whether Arsenal win the competition.

Under changes to the qualifying structure this year the team occupying the third qualifying spot in England, through either winning the EFL Cup or finishing lowest of the qualifiers in the league, will enter in the second qualifying round, with the first leg taking place on July 26.

That is a change from last season when Everton, who finished seventh, began their Europa League campaign in the third qualifying round.

If Arsenal win the Europa League then they will qualify for the Champions League, leaving just two English clubs in the Europa League, and there had been speculation that would see Burnley promoted straight to the group stage, even if they finished seventh.

However, UEFA have confirmed that Burnley's point of entry will not be changed, regardless of whether the Gunners win the Europa League and swap their place in that competition for the Champions League.

Arsenal face a semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid in Madrid next Thursday, having drawn 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium last night.

The Clarets could yet catch Arsenal to finish sixth in the Premier League and secure direct entry to the group stage, although they have a four-point gap to make up and Arsene Wenger's side have a game in hand.