By Jamie Spencer
England will face Slovakia in the last 16 at Euro 2024, while high-flying Spain against fantastic minnows Georgia is perhaps the pick of the ties in the tournament’s first knockout round.
France will also face Belgium, while hosts Germany made light work of the group stage in front of expectant home fans and are now tasked with overcoming a potentially dangerous Denmark side.
Germany and Spain are on a quarter-final collision course if they both progress. Portugal won’t want to dwell on their final group stage defeat to Georgia as they prepare to face Slovenia.
The group stage results have transpired to make one half of the knockout bracket considerably stronger on paper, with Germany, Spain, Portugal, France and Belgium all bunched together.
Meanwhile, England and reigning champions Italy are the ‘biggest' nations in the other.
If England are successful in their first knockout tie, the winner of Italy and Switzerland awaits in the quarter-finals. It also bodes well for the likes of Romania and Austria going further than many would have predicted before the tournament began, with favourable routes ahead.
Romania will face the Netherlands in their first tournament knockout fixture in 24 years. For Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, an enticing meeting with Turkey now awaits.
All last 16 ties will be played over the course of four days between 29 June and 2 July.
Euro 2024 last 16 draw
Euro 2024 quarter-final draw
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Euro 2024 last 16 draw confirmed.
