Football News: England Secure Last 16 Spot at Euro 2024 as Spain Beat Albania
In the latest developments in the world of football, England have secured their spot in the last 16 of the Euro 2024 tournament without even playing a match. The result was sealed on Monday night when Albania were defeated 1-0 by Spain in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The victory for Spain means that Gareth Southgate’s England side will finish, at worst, as one of the third-placed teams who advance to the knockout rounds. The top two teams in each group, as well as the four best third-placed countries, will progress to the next stage of the competition being held in Germany.
England had already secured four points from their opening two matches, beating Serbia and drawing with Denmark. With one game left to play against Slovenia, the Three Lions now know they will continue their campaign at the tournament.
“We’re very clear on where we need to be better. We haven’t hidden from that. I think we have a pretty open dialogue – the players, staff – and we’re all on the same page on that. The route forward was pretty simple to highlight. Of course, then we’ve got to go and deliver, and I’m expecting that we will do that.”
The news of England’s progression has also seen France and the Netherlands join them in the last 16, with one group game still remaining. England, along with Spain, Germany, and Portugal, are among the six teams that have already booked their place in the knockout stages before the end of the group phase.
Elsewhere, Italy have also secured their spot in the last 16 after a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against Croatia on Monday. Switzerland will be their opponents in the next round.
While England’s place in the knockout rounds is now secured, there is still plenty at stake in their final group game against Slovenia. The third-placed team in Group C will face a group winner in the last 16, while the runners-up will take on Germany in Dortmund. A win for England against Slovenia would guarantee them top spot in the group and a tie against a third-placed side on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.
With England’s progression to the last 16 secured, football fans can now turn their attention to the upcoming fixtures in the Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, and the Africa Cup of Nations, as the world of football continues to captivate audiences globally.
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