Draw Open Up- England’s route through the knockout stages is clear
England have secured the top spot in Group C at Euro 2024, and favorable results elsewhere have given Gareth Southgate’s team a knockout path that avoids many of the top contenders.
Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France are all on the opposite side of the draw, ensuring that England won’t face any of these teams until the final.
Despite a 0-0 draw with Slovenia on Tuesday, England topped their group, benefiting from a goalless draw between Serbia and Denmark.
England’s qualification was secured before their match against Slovenia, thanks to Spain’s 1-0 victory over Albania on Monday, which guaranteed Southgate’s team at least a spot among the four best third-placed teams.
Having won the group, England faces a challenging journey through the knockout stages as they aim for a spot in the final in Berlin on July 14.
With this in mind, BBC Sport explores the potential path England could take for the remainder of the tournament.
Who could England play in the last 16?
By winning their group, England has avoided a last-16 match against Germany and will instead face either the Netherlands or the third-placed team from Group E at 17:00 BST on Sunday.
Currently, Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine are all tied with three points in Group E, so any of these teams could end up being England’s opponent.
However, the final decision will depend on the results in Group F on Wednesday. Stay tuned for the details.
Southgate’s team will play the Netherlands, who finished third in Group D, unless the Czech Republic beats Turkey or Georgia defeats Portugal in Group F.
This is because Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia can all finish third in Group F, and if they do so with at least three points, they will replace Hungary in the third-placed standings.
The outcome will then determine that England will face a team from Group E.
Who could England play in the quarter-finals?
Thankfully, predicting England’s potential opponents in the quarter-finals is a bit simpler, and there’s an intriguing possibility of a rematch of the Euro 2020 final on the horizon.
If England progress past the round of 16, they are set to face the winner of the match between Switzerland and Italy. This matchup has a special significance due to the recent history between England and Italy. Italy defeated England on penalties at Wembley to clinch the Euro 2020 title, leaving England with a sense of unfinished business. The prospect of facing Italy again in a high-stakes match will undoubtedly evoke strong emotions and memories for both the players and the fans.
This quarter-final match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6 July, in Dusseldorf, with a kick-off time of 20:00 BST. The venue and timing add an extra layer of anticipation and excitement, as England will be keen to demonstrate their progress and strength since their last encounter with Italy. The possibility of a showdown with Italy brings with it the promise of a dramatic and intense match, full of the kind of tension and excitement that only knockout football can deliver.
Looking back at the Euro 2020 final, it was a game that was marked by intense competition and dramatic moments. England took an early lead through Luke Shaw’s goal, sending the Wembley crowd into raptures. However, Italy equalized in the second half through Leonardo Bonucci, and the match ultimately went to penalties. Italy held their nerve and emerged victorious, leaving England to ponder what might have been. The memory of that final is still fresh in the minds of both teams, and a rematch in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 would be an opportunity for England to seek redemption.
The match against Switzerland or Italy in the quarter-finals is not just about revenge, though. It is also about the opportunity for England to demonstrate their growth and evolution as a team. Since Euro 2020, England have continued to develop under the guidance of Gareth Southgate. The team has a blend of experienced players and exciting young talents, and they will be eager to showcase their abilities on the big stage. A victory against a team of Italy’s caliber would be a significant statement of intent and a testament to England’s potential to go all the way in the tournament.
Switzerland, on the other hand, should not be underestimated. They have shown in recent tournaments that they are capable of competing with the best teams in Europe. A match against Switzerland would bring its own challenges, and England would need to be at their best to secure a victory. The Swiss team is known for their organization and resilience, and they have the potential to cause an upset.
The road to the final in Berlin on 14 July is a long and challenging one, but England will be focused and determined. The knockout stages of a major tournament are always unpredictable, and anything can happen. The team will need to approach each match with the right mindset and be prepared to adapt to the challenges that come their way.
In conclusion, while the round of 16 presents its own uncertainties, the potential quarter-final opponents for England are clearer. A clash with either Switzerland or Italy promises to be a thrilling encounter, filled with high stakes and the potential for unforgettable moments. For England, it is an opportunity to make a statement, to seek redemption, and to continue their journey towards glory at Euro 2024. The fans will be eagerly anticipating the match, hoping to see their team triumph and move one step closer to lifting the trophy in Berlin.
Who could England play in the semi-finals?
England have dodged a potential semi-final clash with France and will instead face Group D winners Austria on their side of the draw.
Other potential opponents include the winner of Group E, the runner-up of Group F, and one of Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, or the Netherlands.
In Group E, Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine are all tied with three points, while Turkey currently holds second place in Group F.