ENGLAND are officially through to the Round of 16 of Euro 2024 – albeit in an uninspiring fashion.
Gareth Southgate’s troops topped Group C by avoiding defeat to Slovenia in their final Group C match.
They were held to a drab 0-0 draw in the Cologne clash, which has heaped further pressure on Southgate’s shoulders.
Three Lions fans have now turned their attention to who they’ll face in the round of 16, which gets underway on Saturday evening.
And they’ll face either the Netherlands – or a side from Group E, most likely Slovakia.
The Netherlands were the surprise third place finishers in Group D after Ronald Koeman’s side suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Austria, who ended up topping the group ahead of France and the Oranje.
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England could also end up facing the third-placed team from Group E, in which all four teams – Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine – are currently level on three points.
Slovakia are the most likely team to finish third. That’s because they play Romania in their final game, and both teams know a draw would send them both through. Should the game finish level, Slovakia are certain to be the third placed team.
The Slovaks, who stunned Belgium 1-0 in their opening game, play current Group E toppers Romania tomorrow at 5pm.
Once the final group stage matches are played on Wednesday night, England’s opponent will be officially confirmed.
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Victory for England in the last 16 will set up a quarter-final tie against either Switzerland or Italy.
England will then face either Austria, Hungary, Romania or Turkey in the semi-finals, which will take place on Tuesday, July 9 or Wednesday, July 10.
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England need superhero Bellingham back to have any chance of winning Euro 2024
JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024, writes Charlie Wyett.
Yet we have not seen much from the boy wonder since.
Maybe he left his cloak in the dressing room at Gelsenkirchen and is still looking for it.
But he needs to discover in time for the last 16 tie this weekend otherwise England are knackered.
Approaching the serious part of Euro 2024, this team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.
At times against Slovenia, Bellingham just looked lost.
Let’s hope he can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.
Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.
Read Charlie Wyett’s England vs Slovenia verdict in full.
Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 stories.
Footie powerhouses France, Spain, Germany and Portugal are all on the other side of the draw.
So that means England won’t face either of the bigwigs until the final, which takes place on July 14.
Three Lions fans, however, won’t be confident of their chances of glory following back-to-back disappointing draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
Southgate, however, remains optimistic, saying: “I thought we were much improved with the ball.
It was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack Wilshere
KOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.
I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.
But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.
Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.
And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.
It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.
He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.
Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.
Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.
Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.
“We have created some good openings and at the moment it is hard work for us.
“We are not quite getting that break in front of goal. I think the players who came on did well.
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“I understand the reactions but it is a tough environment
“We tried to win the game by the changes we made. We put attacking players on the pitch.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
