England has already guaranteed their spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stage, regardless of the outcome of their last group match against Slovenia on Tuesday evening.
Thanks to a peculiar and intricate regulation, even if they are defeated in tonight’s match and finish third in their group, they will advance to the last 16. This is due to the fact that four of the top third-placed teams from all six groups will progress.
France and the Netherlands are in a similar situation, both with four points and one game left to play. Gareth Southgate’s team is currently leading Group C after defeating Serbia and drawing with Denmark.
Last night, Spain won against Albania and Italy drew 1-1 with Croatia. These outcomes ensure that the Three Lions will secure their spot in the last 16, regardless of tonight’s results. Nevertheless, their performance this evening will determine their opponents in the knockout stage.
If they suffer a defeat, they will be up against Portugal; a tie would result in a match against Germany, while a victory would lead them to play against the third-placed team from group D, E, or F.
Their probable adversaries from Group D are Austria or Netherlands. In Group E, England could potentially face Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, or Belgium, all of whom have accumulated three points going into their final group fixtures.
In Group F, England is expected to face either Georgia or Czech Republic.
NATIONS IN THE LAST-16
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Spain
- Portugal
- Spain
- Italy
- England
- France
- Netherlands
CURRENT THIRD-PLACED TEAMS
Confirmed
- Group A: Hungary (3 points, -3 goal difference)
- Group B: Croatia (2 points, -3 goal difference)
One game to go…
- Group C: Slovenia (2 points, 0 goal difference)
- Group D: Austria (3 points, +1 goal difference)
- Group E: Slovakia (3 points, 0 goal difference
- Group F: Czech Republic (1 point, -1 goal difference)
WHO ENGLAND COULD PLAY IN THE LAST-16?
- As Group C winners: Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belgium, Georgia or Czech Republic
- As Group C runners-up: Germany
- As one of the best third-placed teams: Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine or Belgium
Southgate remains unfazed by the criticism from fans and pundits following England’s lackluster performance in the 1-1 draw against Denmark. He emphasized that his focus is solely on guiding the team through the tournament, acknowledging the high expectations and scrutiny that come with being a high-profile team.
Southgate expressed confidence in his ability to self-critique and work with the players to address areas needing improvement, highlighting the importance of honesty and self-awareness in coaching a team to enhance performance.
