England have officially qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2020.
Despite underperforming in the 0-0 draw with Scotland and having not yet played their third game of the group stage, it is now mathematically impossible for Gareth Southgate’s side to fall at the first hurdle.
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At Euro 2020, as well as the top two teams in every group, four of the six third-placed teams will also qualify for the knockout stages.
These teams will be ranked based on their group campaigns, with the two worst performing sides dropping out.
In a potential worst-case scenario in which England were to lose to Czech Republic and finish third in Group D behind Scotland, we now know that they would still be one of the four who qualify.
This is because England have four points from their opening two games.
Finland in Group B and Ukraine in Group C have already finished third with just three points.
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Therefore, it is now impossible for England to be eliminated in the group stages, even if this unlikely worst case scenario occurs.
The next question to answer is: Who will England face in the last 16?
If Southgate’s men top Group D, they face whoever finishes second in Group F (which could be any of France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary) next Tuesday at Wembley.
If England finish second in Group D, they face whoever finishes second in Group E (which could be any of Sweden, Slovakia, Spain or Poland) next Monday in Copenhagen.
And in the unlikely event that England finish third in Group D, there are three possible options.
First would be to face Netherlands on Sunday in Budapest.
Second would be to face Belgium on Sunday in Seville.
Third would be to face the winner of Group E (which could be any of Sweden, Slovakia, or Spain) on Tuesday at Hampden Park.
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