England have qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a group game to spare following Spain’s 1-0 win over Albania on Monday.
Luis de la Fuente’s side’s victory also ensures that the Netherlands and France progress from Group D into the knockout phase.
The Three Lions will finish their Group C campaign on Tuesday against Slovenia in Cologne (20:00 BST), but they are already guaranteed a spot in the next phase.
Gareth Southgate’s side have accumulated four points after a 1-0 win against Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark. Albania’s defeat to Spain has ensured that England will, at the very least, be one of the four best third-placed teams.
England will win Group C if they defeat Slovenia. They could still finish top if they draw and Denmark fail to beat Serbia. If England draws and Denmark wins, the two nations will be separated for first and second place based on overall goal difference, followed by overall goals scored, and then disciplinary points.
Importantly, England cannot finish lower than third in Group C.
Had Albania beaten Spain, England would have had to wait until Tuesday to confirm their potential qualification. However, Spain, European champions in 1964, 2008, and 2012, proved too strong for Albania.
Meanwhile, in the other Group B game, it was heartbreak for Croatia, who believed they had secured qualification thanks to a Luka Modric strike. However, Italy equalized in stoppage time, dashing the hopes of the Croats.
England’s guaranteed progression brings relief and excitement for fans, as they now look ahead to their final group match with Slovenia, confident of their place in the knockout rounds of Euro 2024.
