Euro 2016: England handed extra incentive to top Group B and avoid Portugal knockout tie
A second-place finish could set up a meeting with Portugal, one of England's bête noires
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Your support makes all the difference.England have been given an extra incentive to beat Slovakia on Monday and ensure that they finish top of Group B at this summer’s European Championship.
Three points for Roy Hodgson’s side would guarantee a finish as group winners and set up a round of 16 tie against a third-placed side from either Group A, C, D – Romania, Northern Ireland or the Czech Republic, as it stands.
However, if England can only draw against Slovakia, the door would be open for Wales to top the group with victory over Russia. England would subsequently drop into second-place and face the runner-up of Group F.
Ultimately, it could mean a round of 16 tie against Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates.
Fernando Santos’ side have flattered to deceive so far, picking up just two points and putting in lacklustre performances against Iceland and Austria.
They face Hungary, Group F’s leaders, in their last game and must win to be guaranteed of a place in the round of 16, though they could still progress with a draw if Iceland are also held by Austria.
England edged a pre-tournament friendly against Portugal at Wembley earlier this month, in a game that was most memorable for Bruno Alves' high tackle on Harry Kane, but their record against the Iberian side at tournaments leaves a lot to be desired.
Sven Goran-Eriksson’s ‘golden generation’ infamously lost two penalty shoot-outs to Portugal, at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup, each at the quarter-final stage of the respective competitions.
Kevin Keegan’s England threw away a 2-0 lead in their opening group game against Portugal at Euro 2000, eventually succumbing to a 3-2 defeat.
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