Euro 2024: Who England Could Face in Round of 16 After Spain’s Win Over Albania

• England has secured a place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages without playing their final group game against Slovenia
• The Three Lions were done a favour by Spain, who beat Albania on June 24 to maintain their 100% record in the group stages
• Gareth Southgate’s side still needs to beat Slovenia to top Group C after poor showings in their first two games at Euros

England is guaranteed a place in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 thanks to Spain’s unbeaten run in the group stage.

La Roja showed their European title credentials with their third win in three games in Germany, narrowly edging Albania 1-0 at Dusseldorf Arena on June 24.

Ferran Torres scored in the 13th minute after getting picked out by Dani Olmo with a delightful through ball. The Barcelona forward then swept a neat shot in off the far post.

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Despite a tinkered squad, Luis de la Fuente’s side looked solid and well-coordinated as they ended Albania’s qualification hopes.

How Spain’s win impacts England

Spain’s win over Albania effectively took the pressure off England, who needed to get at least a point against Slovenia in their final group game on Tuesday, June 25, prior to La Roja’s game against Albania.

Gareth Southgate’s side has four points from their opening two games, following a win against Serbia and a draw with Denmark on June 16 and June 20, respectively.

If The Three Lions lose against Slovenia, they will still qualify for the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, at least, according to UEFA.

France and the Netherlands, two Group D heavyweights, also qualified for the knockout stages thanks to Spain’s latest win.

Les Blues are second in their group, level on points with Ronald Koeman’s Oranje, who have a superior goal difference. The two nations played out a controversial 0-0 draw on Friday, June 21.

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Who can England face in the last 16?

Despite a guaranteed slot in the last 16, England still have some work to do if they are to avoid some of the tournament favourites in the next round.

According to talkSPORT, if the Three Lions beat Slovenia in Cologne, they would finish top of Group C and set up a clash against the third-placed team from Group D, E, or F.

If Denmark beats Serbia and England drops points against Slovenia, Southgate’s side will finish in second place and face Germany in the last 16.

It gets more interesting - if England somehow finishes third in Group C, they will face Portugal, winners of Group F, in the last 16.

How Croatia can qualify for the last 16

Sports Brief also previously reported how Croatia can make the last 16 of Euro 2024 after ending their group in third with the goal difference of minus-three.

On Monday, June 24, Luka Modric’s goal was cancelled out by a 97th-minute equaliser from Italy's Mattia Zaccagni to see the defending champions move on.