Euro 2016: England to play either Portugal, Hungary, Iceland or Austria in last-16 after draw with Slovakia
The goalless draw with Slovakia means England missed out on top spot in Group B
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Your support makes all the difference.After failing to top Group B at Euro 2016, England will play their last-16 match next Monday against the runner-up in Group F, meaning that a potential encounter with Portugal could be on the horizon for Roy Hodgson’s side.
England saw their hopes of topping the group ended by Slovakia in the 0-0 draw on Monday night, with a much-changed side unable to break down Slovakia despite dominating possession. With Wales cruising past Russia 3-0 with goals from Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale, it was Chris Coleman’s side who clinched top spot in the group.
The results mean that Wales will now go through as group winners and take one of the third place teams in Groups A, C and D, while England take on the runners-up in Group F.
Ahead of the final day of group fixtures on Wednesday where Group F will be decided, any one of the four teams in contention can still finish second. Hungary currently lead the way after securing a win over Austria and a draw with Iceland, with the Portuguese level on two points with Iceland after back-to-back draws.
That puts Hungary in the box seat for Group F, and if they can achieve a draw or better with Portugal, they will likely secure top spot given that Iceland would need to beat Austria by at least three goals in order to finish first in the group.
If Hungary beat Portugal, then either Iceland or Austria can snatch second place and a last-16 tie against England with a win when the two sides meet on Wednesday. However, Portugal can still progress as group winners if they beat Hungary.
The bookmakers’ favour both Portugal and Austria to win on Wednesday, with the outcome resulting in Portugal progressing as group winners, Hungary a probable second due to their superior goal difference and Austria in third with what would likely be enough points the secure progression as one of the best third-place finishers.
It would also hand England a Monday night tie in Nice against Hungary, with the winner going on to play the victor in the Lyon quarter-final which will feature France and one of the third-place sides from Group C, D or E.
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