Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Euro 2024: What are England’s routes to through the knockouts? – BBC Sport

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Image caption, England won Group C despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Slovenia on Tuesday

England have topped Group C at Euro 2024 – and results elsewhere have handed Gareth Southgate’s side a path through the knockouts which avoids many of the major teams.

Spain, Germany, Portugal and France are all on the other side of the draw and England cannot play any of the quartet before the final.

The Three Lions failed to beat Slovenia on Tuesday, but won the group despite their 0-0 draw as Serbia and Denmark also played out a goalless stalemate.

England’s qualification was guaranteed before they even kicked a ball against Slovenia, as Spain’s 1-0 win over Albania on Monday meant Southgate’s side would, at least, be one of the four best third-placed teams.

They’ve won the group, but a long road awaits Southgate’s side as they look to make it through the knockouts and earn a place in the final in Berlin on 14 July.

With all that in mind, BBC Sport takes a look at the path that England could take for the rest of the tournament.

Who could England play in the last 16?

By winning the group, England have avoided a last-16 game against Germany and will instead face a third-placed team from Group D or F at 17:00 BST on Sunday.

They must wait until the conclusion of Group F’s fixtures on Wednesday for their opponent to be confirmed, but could play the Netherlands.

Southgate’s men will face the Dutch, who finished third in Group D, unless the Czech Republic beat Turkey or Georgia are victorious against Portugal in Group F.

Turkey, Czech Republic and Georgia can all finish third in Group F. If they do – and end up with three points or more – they would take Hungary’s place in the third-placed standings.

Tuesday’s results mean England can no longer face a team from Group E in the last 16.

Who could England play in the quarter-finals?

Thankfully, it’s easier to work out who England could play in the quarters – and a potential repeat of the Euro 2020 final is on the cards.

They will take on the winner of Switzerland’s game against Italy, who beat England on penalties at Wembley to win the last European Championship.

A last-eight tie would take place on Saturday, 6 July, in Dusseldorf (20:00 BST).

Who could England play in the semi-finals?

England have avoided a possible semi-final against France and instead find Group D winners Austria on their side of the draw.

Group E’s winner, the runner-up of Group F and one of Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and the Netherlands are the other potential opponents.

Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine are all currently on three points in Group E, while Turkey are currently second in Group F.

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