What do England and Scotland need to reach last 16?
England lead Group C with four points, while Scotland are third in Group A with one point
- Published
Just a week into Euro 2024, the word 'permutations' is flying around.
With Scotland and England having played twice, the calculators are out as people try to plot a potential route into the last 16.
The top two teams in all six groups qualify automatically, but the four best third-placed teams also make it through.
How do things stand for England?
England need to avoid defeat against Slovenia in their final group game on Tuesday to progress from Group C.
If Denmark fail to beat Serbia, then England will qualify regardless of their result against Slovenia. However, if England lose to Slovenia and Serbia win their game then Slovenia will win the group.
England must beat Slovenia to top the group if Denmark win against Serbia.
Even if England do not finish in the top two, they could progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
No team has failed to reach the knockout stages in a 24-team Euros after gaining four points.
How do things stand for Scotland?
If Scotland lose their final group match to Hungary on Sunday, they will finish fourth and be eliminated.
If the match is drawn, Scotland will finish the group in third and could yet qualify - but that would depend on results in other groups.
If Scotland win the game, they will finish either second or third - depending on the result in Switzerland's match with Germany.
As Scotland drew with Switzerland, their positions will be decided on overall goal difference, then overall goals scored, then disciplinary points, then their ranking in European qualifiers.
As it stands, Scotland's goal difference is six worse than Switzerland's, so it would need a significant swing in the final round of games.