England seal their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a game to play after Spain beat Albania 1-0 on Monday evening.
England have qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a game to play after Spain recorded a 1-0 win over Albania on Monday.
Gareth Southgate‘s side were on the brink of qualification after taking four points from their opening two games in Group C.
The Three Lions kicked off the tournament with a 1-0 win over Serbia before they took a point from Thursday’s unconvincing 1-1 draw against Denmark.
England are yet to really impress in the tournament, but crucially, they are now through to the last 16 before taking to the field for Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia.
The Three Lions can thank Spain for their progression after Luis de la Fuente‘s side beat Albania 1-0 to maintain their 100% record at Euro 2024.
© Reuters
England clinch last-16 spot
Spain’s narrow win eliminated Albania and ensured that England would at least be guaranteed one of the four best third-placed spots.
England have now reached the knockout rounds in each of their last five European Championship appearances since suffering a group-stage exit at Euro 2000.
France and Netherlands have also progressed to the knockout rounds as a result of Ferran Torres‘s winning goal against Albania.
Like England, Les Bleus and Netherlands have both collected four points from their first two matches in Group D.
The Dutch and France will look to secure the best possible position when they face Austria and Poland respectively in their final group matches on Tuesday.
© Reuters
Three Lions targeting top spot in Group C
England may be assured of a place in the knockout rounds, but there is still plenty to play for in their final group match against Slovenia.
The Three Lions will win Group C if they claim all three points, while a draw will still be enough if Denmark fail to take anything off Serbia.
However, England will finish level on points with Denmark if they draw and the Danes beat Serbia, which would see goal difference and potentially goals scored come into play.
If England clinch top spot, they will face one of the best third-placed sides from Group D, E or F, while a second-placed finish would leave them with a difficult tie against tournament hosts Germany.
Meanwhile, if they finish in third position, they would either face Portugal or the winner of a tightly-contested Group E.