ENGLAND will be better off finishing SECOND in Group D to avoid nightmare Last-16 tie vs France, Germany or Portugal.
Gareth Southgate’s side avoided a ‘Group of Death’ in Saturday’s live draw, with Croatia, Czech Republic and a play-off winner – possibly Scotland – joining the Three Lions in Group D.
England have been drawn in a group with Croatia, Czech Republic and a play-off winnerCredit: AFP
But if England win the group, they would face the daunting prospect of playing France, Portugal or Germany in a last-16 clash in Dublin on June 30.
While a second-place finish would see them face the runners-up of Group E a day earlier in Copenhagen – likely to be either Sweden or Poland, with Spain heavy favourites to finish top.
However, Southgate – whose side begin the tournament on June 14 at Wembley against World Cup semi-final conquerors Croatia – insisted he will not eye second place for an easier route.
He said: “You have to try and take control of your own destiny and let’s hope we’ve got that decision to make.
“We’ve got to be confident in our own ability and take on whoever comes.
“Everyone else will be thinking the same about playing us.
Gareth Southgate may well hope to finish second in the group – to avoid drawing a big gun in the last 16Credit: AFP
“It’s going to be a brilliant experience for our fans, our players and the public.
“Playing at Wembley doesn’t make it an advantage in terms of winning the tournament unless we can get to the semi-final.”
England’s odds to win Euro 2020 shortened after three big hitters were drawn together.
And with England’s showing in Russia last year, Southgate added: “We have to accept that expectations have changed.
“We know we have a lot to improve and we’re very critical of the team — and they are of themselves.
“With the way Group F has panned out, that’s going to affect the odds very much.
“We would rather be a team that people fancied than one that people gave no chance.”
Looking even further ahead, England winning their group and last-16 tie sets them on course to face the winner of Group E, most likely Spain, in the quarter-finals.
Southgate, whose side could also be grouped with Israel, Serbia or Norway, added: “You need a strategy of getting out of the group — there are three games, not one.
“We’ve got so many young players emerging and we’ve got to get the balance of that right.
“The other coaches are very complimentary about us but I think they’re trying to draw you in a bit as well.
“The margins are really fine.”
Wales have come out of the draw relatively well, having been placed in Group A alongside Switzerland, Turkey and Italy.
That will give Welsh boss Ryan Giggs hope of making it through to the knockout stages, especially if he goes into the tournament with a fit Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Video shows the 12 stunning stadiums that will host Euro 2020
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
