England has advanced to the Euro 2024 round of 16, capitalizing on Albania’s inability to defeat Spain in their final Group B match. Spain’s 1-0 victory, sealed by a Ferran Torres goal at Dusseldorf Arena, ensured their top spot in the group and indirectly propelled England into the knockout stages.
This result guarantees England a place in the next phase of the European Championship, even if they face defeat against Slovenia in their concluding group stage game on Tuesday. The Euro 2024 qualification rules stipulate that the top two teams from each of the six groups progress to the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed teams. Spain’s win confirmed England’s passage as one of these best third-placed teams at minimum, regardless of their own final group game outcome.
[
Euro 2024 knockout stage qualification scenarios explained visually.](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5584491/2024/06/23/euro-2024-knockout-permutations/)
Looking ahead in Group C, England’s position is still to be definitively decided. Victory against Slovenia in Cologne would secure them the top spot in Group C. A draw could also be enough for first place, provided Denmark fails to overcome Serbia by a margin greater than one goal.
However, a loss to Slovenia would introduce more complexity. Should Denmark win their match, England would finish third in the group. If Denmark does not win against Serbia, England would secure second place. Their opponent in the last 16 will depend on their final group position and the outcomes in other groups, making the final group game crucial for seeding and future match-ups in the tournament.
Albania’s loss to Spain also confirmed the qualification of both France and the Netherlands to the knockout stages. They will proceed from Group D with a game still to play. Their final group matches are against Poland and Austria respectively, both scheduled for Tuesday.
Euro 2024 Group C Results So Far
Slovenia 1-1 Denmark, Serbia 0-1 England
Slovenia 1-1 Serbia, Denmark 1-1 England
Euro 2024 Group C Standings
| Team | Played | Goals scored | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England (Q) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Denmark | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Slovenia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Serbia | 2 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
Euro 2024 Group C Remaining Fixtures
Tuesday, June 25
England vs Slovenia, Denmark vs Serbia (both 8pm UK time; 3pm ET)
[
England team strategy and formation during a Euro 2024 match.](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5581259/2024/06/23/england-sitting-deep-southgate-euro-2024/)
