ENGLAND are through to the round of 16 of the Euro 2024 European Championship in Germany as Group C winners after a dour 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne tonight.
The Three Lions will be joined in the knockout rounds by Denmark, who also drew 0-0 with Serbia in Munich, and Slovenia who will advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Earlier in the day, Austria finished as Group D winners after a stunning 3-2 victory over The Netherlands, with favourites France coming second following a 1-1 draw with bottom team Poland.
In Cologne, England once again struggled to put together an impressive performance despite head coach Gareth Southgate starting Conor Gallagher instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Three Lions laboured in vain to break down the solid Slovenia defence, although there were positive moments after the second-half introduction of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon.
With the result, England finished on top of Group C with five points and will face the third-placed team from either Group D or Group E in the round of 16.
Denmark finished as runners-up on three points, ahead of Slovenia on a technicality as both teams had the same points, goals for, goals against and disciplinary points.
The Danes are ahead of Slovenia because they finished higher in the qualifying campaign, where they were also in the same group.
Denmark will battle hosts Germany on Saturday in the round of 16, while Slovenia’s opponents are yet to be determined.
In Group D earlier today, Marcel Sabitzer struck 10 minutes from time to give Austria victory over The Netherlands, leading Ralf Rangnick’s side to the top of the pile.
Austria will play the runners-up of Group F next Tuesday in the round of 16 while The Netherlands, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, are awaiting the determination of their opponents.
France qualified from Group D in second place after Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty spot and Robert Lewandowski did the same for Poland to force a 1-1 draw.
The Qatar 2022 World Cup runners-up will battle Group E’s runners-up on Monday in the round of 16 as Poland head home.
