Thursday, July 4, 2024

England through to last 16 of Euros regardless of result against Slovenia

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England have officially sealed their place in the knockout stage of Euro 2024 without kicking a ball ahead of their final group game.

The Three Lions are guaranteed to qualify as at least one of the best third-placed teams following Spain’s win over Albania.

England have officially qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024Credit: AFP

An Albania victory would have seen them finish on four points in Group B.

This would have required England, who have racked up four points from two Group C outings, to have to get a result against Slovenia to guarantee a last 16 spot.

But Spain, who heavily rotated their side with their place in the last 16 already secured ahead of the match, edged out a 1-0 win thanks to Ferran Torres’ first half effort.

This has seen Gareth Southgate’s men qualify for the next round regardless of their result against Slovenia on Tuesday night – live on talkSPORT.

Spain’s win has also seen the Netherlands and France – the top two in Group D – also progress from the group stage.

Should England win in Cologne on Tuesday, they would finish top of Group B, which would see them face a third-place team from either Group D, E or F on Sunday.

And they would also top the group if they were to draw and second-placef Denmark fail to beat Serbia.

If England draw to Slovenia and Denmark claim all three points, the Euro 2020 runners-up would then pit their wits against hosts Germany on Saturday.

The Three Lions have picked up four points from their two Group C matchesCredit: Getty
England know victory over Slovenia would see them top their groupCredit: Getty

Should England finish third in Group C, they would play Group F winners Portugal or the Group E winners – with Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine all on three points.

It was a dramatic night in Group B, which saw Croatia just seconds away from guaranteeing second spot.

John Stones says Phil Foden is a ‘difficult one’ for England manager Gareth Southgate and believes the Manchester City star loves to play ‘through the middle’

Luka Modric broke the deadlock in the 55th minute for Croatia against Italy – with his strike seeing him become the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history.

But just like in their previous clash against Albania, they conceded in the closing moments following Mattia Zaccagni’s equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

It has seen Croatia drop from a possible four points to two points, to leave them on the brink of Euros elimination at the group stage.

For Croatia to advance into the last 16, they now need England to beat Slovenia, who sit third in Group C with two points, by at least three goals.

And they also require Denmark to beat Serbia, Portugal to win against Georgia and Turkey to emerge victorious against Czech Republic in Group F.

talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of EVERY game at Euro 2024. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views and reaction to the big moments.

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