England have sealed their place in the Euro 2024 round of 16, thanks to Spain’s 1-0 victory over Albania on Monday.
The Three Lions will complete their Group C campaign on Tuesday against Slovenia in Cologne (20:00 BST), but they are already guaranteed a spot in the next phase. Gareth Southgate’s side has accumulated four points following a 1-0 win against Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark. Albania’s defeat to Spain means England will, at the very least, be one of the four best third-placed teams.
The result also ensured that the Netherlands and France progressed from Group D into the knockout phase.
Had Albania beaten Spain, England would have had to wait until Tuesday to confirm their qualification. However, Spain, European champions in 1964, 2008, and 2012, proved too strong for Albania.
The Three Lions will top Group C if they defeat Slovenia. They could still finish first if they draw and Denmark fail to beat Serbia. If England draw and Denmark win, the two nations will be separated for first and second place based on overall goal difference, followed by overall goals scored, and then disciplinary points. Crucially, England cannot finish lower than third in Group C.
Meanwhile, in the other Group B game, it was heartbreak for Croatia, who believed they had secured qualification thanks to a Luka Modric strike. However, Italy equalized in stoppage time, dashing the hopes of the Croats.
A sigh of relief for England
England’s guaranteed progression brings relief and excitement for fans, as they now look ahead to their final group match with Slovenia, confident of their place in the knockout rounds of Euro 2024. After narrowly losing to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, England are hoping to surpass their previous campaign’s performance and contend for the title.
With their place in the round of 16 secured, Southgate’s squad can focus on fine-tuning their tactics and strategies to ensure a strong showing in the knockout stages. The upcoming match against Slovenia offers a chance to solidify their dominance in Group C and build momentum for the challenges ahead.
