- Netherlands suffered shock defeat aginst Austria in final group game
- If England secure top spot in Group C they are most likely to face Ronald Koeman’s side
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield was a ‘progressive move but regrettably it didn’t work’
England could be handed a dream route to the final of Euro 2024 should they top Group C tonight.
The Three Lions – on current standings – look good for a run to the final even if their performances have failed to inspire.
Finishing top of their group would see Gareth Southgate‘s side enter the opposite side of the draw of the majority of the tournament favourites.
But there is still danger lurking as Netherlands’ loss against Austria has seen them qualify third in Group D.
That currently makes the Dutch the most likely opponents in the round-of-16.
But a win over the Oranje would stand England in great stead to potentially make the final.
That would see them take on the winner of Italy vs Switzerland, and many would relish the opportunity to banish the memories of last tournament’s heartbreak against the Azzurri.
If they are able to overcome that, a semi-final against one of Austria, Turkey, Belgium or Slovenia would await them.
More often than not in a majour tournament, you have to overcome one of the favourites.
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For this England side it is looking more and more likely that to claim this year’s title that will not be the case until the final.
To get there though, they will almost certainly have to overcome tricky opponents in the Netherlands.
Ronald Koeman’s side were on course for a top-two finish in Group D ahead of kick-off as they followed up their opening day win over Poland with a goalless draw with France.
But Austria had other ideas as they set out to cause an upset against their Dutch opposition.
An own goal from Donyell Malen set Ralf Rangnick’s side on their way they were pegged back twice at 1-1 and 2-2 before Marcel Sabitzer finall put the tie to bed in the 80th minute.
That loss coupled with France’s draw with Poland saw the Oranje drop to third place but they will not have to sweat on their place in the next round as they have already qualified.
Gareth Southgate’s side can still avoid a tie with the Dutch but they will need to comprehensively beat tonight’s opponents.
A 3-0 win over Slovenia and a Denmark win over Serbia would mean no one from Group C could make it through as a third-placed qualifier.
In that case they would be on course to face Czechia for a place in the quarter-finals.