England have started their UEFA Euro 2024 in an underwhelming fashion. While they are still unbeaten after their first two games, their performances in both games left a lot to be desired. They are placed in Group C alongside Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia.
The Three Lions beat Serbia 1-0 in their first game of the tournament courtesy of a Jude Bellingham goal. They then drew 1-1 against Denmark in a game that the Danes dominated throughout. Harry Kane scored for England but Morten Hjulmand restored parity with an excellent strike.
After their first two games, Gareth Southgate’s side lead Group C with four points. They are two points above second-placed Denmark and third-placed Slovenia, both with two points. Meanwhile, Serbia are at the bottom of the table with one point.
England can still finish at the top of the group, in second place, or in third place depending upon the results of the final group games. They should, however, qualify for the Round of 16 in either case.
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Let’s take a look at the route to the Euro 2024 final for England and their potential opponents based on where they finish in their group.
If England top Group C at Euro 2024
If the Three Lions beat Slovenia in their final game, they will top their group. Even a draw would be enough based on the other result. In that case, they will face the third-placed team from Group D, E, or F in the Round of 16 on June 30.
In the quarter-finals on July 6, they will face the runners-up of either Group A i.e. Switzerland or the runners-up of Group B (Spain, Italy, Croatia or Albania).
In the semi-finals on July 10, they will face the winner of the third quarter-final, which is expected to be France or Belgium.
They will then face the winner of the second semi-final in the final on July 14, who are expected to be Spain, Germany or Portugal.
If England finish second in Group C
If they draw or lose against Slovenia, England could finish as runners-up in the group depending upon the result between Denmark and Serbia. In that case, their route to the Euro 2024 final will be as follows:
Round of 16 vs. Germany (Group A winners) on June 29
Quarter-finals vs. winner of the third Round of 16 (expected to be one of Spain, Italy, or Croatia) on July 5.
Semi-finals vs. winner of second quarter-finals (likely to be Portugal or the Netherlands) on July 9.
Final vs. the winner of the second semi-final (expected to be France or Belgium) on July 14.
England could also finish third in the group if they lose against Slovenia and Denmark beat Serbia in their respective final group games. Given they are on four points should enable them to reach the Round of 16 but it would only be determined after all group games are over.
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