Despite another lacklustre performance against Slovenia, England secured the top spot in Group C of UEFA Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate’s side accumulated four points from their first two games, with a win over Serbia and a draw against Denmark. Results in Group B confirmed England’s place in the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams, at the very least.
A 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Cologne ensured England’s top spot, despite the uninspiring display, which drew boos from supporters at full-time. Nonetheless, this result means England will return to Gelsenkirchen for their Round of 16 match.
Who will England play in Euro 2024 Round of 16?
As winners of Group C, England will face one of the four best third-placed teams in the Round of 16. The possible combinations for the third-placed teams are intricate, with the Netherlands being a potential opponent.
To simplify the scenario: England will avoid playing the Netherlands if the third-placed teams from Group E and Group F finish above Hungary (3 points, -3 goal difference) in the third-placed standings.
This outcome is likely for Group E, while Group F will require either Georgia beating Portugal or the Czech Republic defeating Turkey by fewer than three goals.
If the third-placed teams from Group E and Group F finish above Hungary, England would face the third-placed team from Group E (Belgium, Ukraine, Slovakia, or Romania).
Third place standing in Euro 2024 group stage as of now
| Rank | Team | Points | Goal Difference | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against |
| 1 | Netherlands | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | Slovakia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Slovenia | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | Hungary | 3 | -3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 5 | Croatia | 2 | -3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| 6 | Czech Republic | 1 | -1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Who can England face in Euro 2024 Quarterfinals?
If England advances from the Round of 16, they will face either Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals. England is no longer on course to face France in the semi-finals, as France finished second in Group D. Other major teams like Germany, Spain, and Portugal are on the opposite side of the draw, which may present a relatively favourable path for England.
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