With the final fixtures of the Euro 2024 group phase taking place last night, we now know the last 16 draw and bracket as we move towards the knockout stages in Germany.
It’s a kind draw for England – who will now face Slovakia – and one that puts several Newcastle stars on a collision course after Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon, Fabian Schar and Martin Dubravka all qualified from their respective groups.
As the last 16 fixtures and bracket show below, Trippier and Gordon are set to face Dubravka’s Slovakia in Sunday’s 5pm kick-off at the AufSchalke Stadium in Gelsenkirchen. The winners are then due to face Italy or Switzerland, meaning Schar could be next for Trippier and Gordon if England beat Slovakia and the Swiss topple the Italians on Saturday (5pm).
England need all the help they can get after three shoddy displays in the group stages, but it’s worth highlighting that we’ve landed on the right side of the draw, with the top half containing Spain, Germany, Portugal, France and Belgium.
The bottom half features four Newcastle players, meaning one of Romania, Slovenia, Netherlands, Austria, Turkey Czech Republic, Georgia, England, Slovakia, Switzerland or Italy will reach the final in Berlin on July 14th.
Based on the bookies odds, we could well see the following last 16 line-up:
- Spain vs Germany
- Portugal vs France
- Netherlands vs Austria
- England vs Italy
As we know, it’s never that simple, but let’s hope England up their game and take advantage of another favourable draw.
Can’t escape that England have been poor.
Other than Spain, none of the other contenders have shone. Most have individuals who’ve had moments.
France haven’t impressed and got lucky against NL who themselves weren’t impressive.
Belgium look sluggish.
Portugal rely on histrionics rather than football.
Germany looked slick but vulnerable and got lucky against the Swiss.
England need to improve for sure but be solid and structured in defence, more aggressive with players in their most effective position in attack and who knows
Jonesy(Quote)