England’s Euro 2024 campaign sets the stage for an exhilarating summer of football, with Gareth Southgate’s teampoised to navigate a challenging group and potentially gruelling knockout stages. The Three Lions are drawn in Group C alongside Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia, a mix of familiar foes and lesser-known challenges that promise to test their mettle from the outset.
- Possible knockout stage based on ranking
England’s Group Stage Fixtures
Serbia – Sunday, June 16, Gelsenkirchen: England kick off their campaign in Gelsenkirchen against Serbia, a team they last faced before Serbia’s separation from Montenegro in 2006. Serbia’s solid performance in qualifying, where they finished second behind Hungary, indicates that this opening match will be far from straightforward.
Denmark – Thursday, June 20, Frankfurt: The fixture against Denmark is laden with history, revisiting the Euro 2020 semi-final where England triumphed in extra time. This match in Frankfurt is not just a rematch but also a barometer for England’s progress and cohesion under Southgate.
Slovenia – Tuesday, June 25, Cologne: The final group match against Slovenia in Cologne could be crucial, especially if qualification hangs in the balance. Their previous encounter at the 2010 World Cup saw England edge past Slovenia, a memory that will surely add a psychological edge to this clash.
Knockout Stage Scenarios
Should England top Group C, their journey through the knockout stages could see them facing a third-placed team from either Group D, Group E, or Group F at Gelsenkirchen on June 30. Advancing further could set up a quarter-final showdown with Italy in Dusseldorf on July 6, followed by a semi-final against France in Dortmund, and potentially a final against Spain in Berlin on July 14.
Conversely, finishing as runners-up in Group C would mean a more daunting path, starting with a potential clash against Germany in Dortmund. This scenario would see England then possibly facing Spain in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart, the Netherlands in the semi-finals in Munich, and France in the final.
The Third-Place Twist
England’s path could also vary significantly if they scrape through as one of the four best third-placed teams. This scenario could lead them to face the winners of Group F or Group E, setting up different dynamics and challenges in their quest for European glory.
