SPAIN booked their spot in the round of 16 of the Euro 2024 European Championship tonight after a 1-0 victory over Italy in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Earlier in the evening, England laboured to a 1-1 draw with Denmark, while Slovenia and Serbia also drew 1-1.
Spain were dominant against a largely timid Italy side but the 2008 and 2012 champions needed an own goal to see off the defending champions.
Italy centre-back Riccardo Calafiori turned the ball into his own net 10 minutes after the break to give the points to Spain, who deserved it after controlling the midfield and with their young wingers 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and 21-year-old Nico Williams terrorising the Italy defence.
The win took Spain’s tally to six points from two matches and guarantees that they will proceed to the round of 16 as Group B winners no matter the result of their final group fixture against Albania.
In Group C, England were unable to guarantee passage to the round of 16 after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark in Frankfurt.
Harry Kane gave the Three Lions the lead with a close range finish in the 18th minute but Morten Hjulmand drew Denmark level with a fine effort from distance seven minutes before half-time.
In the same group, Luka Jovic struck deep into stoppage time to earn Serbia their first point of the tournament following a 1-1 draw with Slovenia, who scored first through Zan Karnicnik in the 69th minute.
Although their performances so far at Euro 2024 have been underwhelming, England lead Group C with four points, with Denmark and Slovenia on two points each and Serbia bottom with one.
