England has emerged as the top team in Group C at Euro 2024, securing a favorable path through the knockout stages by avoiding heavyweights like Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France until the final.
Gareth Southgate’s squad finished first in their group despite a 0-0 draw with Slovenia on Tuesday, benefiting from a goalless stalemate between Serbia and Denmark.
With their group win, England now needs to navigate three knockout matches—the last-16, quarter-final, and semi-final—to reach the final in Berlin on July 14.
Their top finish means they dodge a last-16 clash against Germany, instead preparing to face either the Netherlands or the third-placed team from Group E on Sunday at 17:00 BST in Gelsenkirchen.
Group E is currently a tight contest, with Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine all tied on three points. However, the final decision on England’s next opponent hinges on the results from Group F.
Southgate’s team will play the Dutch, who finished third in Group D, unless the Czech Republic beats Turkey or Georgia triumphs over Portugal in Group F.
If Turkey, Czech Republic, or Georgia finish third in Group F with at least three points, they will replace Hungary in the third-place standings, thereby altering England’s prospective opponent to a Group E team.
Looking ahead, England’s potential quarter-final opponent will be the winner of the Switzerland vs. Italy match. This encounter could see a rematch of the Euro 2020 final, where Italy defeated England on penalties at Wembley. The quarter-final is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, in Dusseldorf at 20:00 BST.
England’s side of the draw also avoids a semi-final matchup with France, instead featuring Group D winners Austria. The other potential semi-final opponents include the winner of Group E, the runner-up from Group F, and one of Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, or the Netherlands.
As the tournament progresses, the complexities of the draw continue to unfold, but England’s favorable group stage outcome places them in a strong position to advance deep into the knockout rounds.