England secured a spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a game to spare, leaving fans eager to see how the group standings will shake out. Gareth Southgate’s squad, with four points from their first two matches—a win over Serbia and a draw against Denmark—are guaranteed at least a third-place finish. The team aims to top Group C with a victory over Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday.
Topping the group remains the primary objective. A win against Slovenia secures the top spot. Even a draw might suffice, unless Denmark defeats Serbia by two goals, which could push England to second place.
Potential Opponents in the Knockout Stages
If England Tops Group C: They will face one of the four best third-placed teams in the last-16. The exact opponent will depend on the combinations of third-placed teams advancing.
If England Finishes Second: They will face Germany in Dortmund on Saturday, June 29. This matchup promises to be a challenging fixture, given Germany’s form and home advantage.
If England Finishes Third: They will play the winner of Group B, Group E, or Group F. Spain and Portugal have already secured the top spots in Group B and Group F, respectively, while Belgium is favored to win Group E. The precise opponent will depend on the final third-place team standings.
Key Dates for England’s Next Matches
- June 29:
- Berlin: Switzerland vs. Italy (17:00)
- Dortmund: Germany vs. Group C runner-up (20:00)
- June 30:
- Gelsenkirchen: Winner Group C vs. third place Group D/E/F (17:00)
- Cologne: Spain vs. third place Group A/D/E/F (20:00)
- July 1:
- Dusseldorf: Runner-up Group D vs. Runner-up Group E (17:00)
- Frankfurt: Portugal vs. third place Group A/B/C (20:00)
- July 2:
- Munich: Winner Group E vs. third place Group A/B/C/D (17:00)
- Leipzig: Winner Group D vs. Runner-up Group F (20:00)
England’s Knockout Path
England’s potential opponents and match locations vary based on their final group standing. A top finish in Group C could provide a slightly smoother path, but no team in the knockout stages will be an easy opponent. Southgate’s squad must stay focused and prepared, as the competition only intensifies from here.
With a blend of strategy and determination, England aims to progress deep into Euro 2024, turning early promise into a memorable tournament run.