Euro 2024 Wrap: England stumble over line to finish top of Group C as Serbia and Poland bow out

COLOGNE, GERMANY - JUNE 25: Cole Palmer of England reacts after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between England and Slovenia at Cologne Stadium on June 25, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

COLOGNE, GERMANY - JUNE 25: Cole Palmer of England reacts after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between England and Slovenia at Cologne Stadium on June 25, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) Credit: None

England’s struggles at Euro 2024 continued as they stumbled over the line to finish top of Group C.

Gareth Southgate’s already qualified men were held to a scoreless draw against Slovenia in Cologne - a result which sent their opponents into the last-16.

The Three Lions will be concerned they failed to find their attacking groove again having flattered to deceive in a 1-0 win over Serbia and 1-1 draw against Denmark.

But England will also be relieved that Denmark drew against Serbia on the same night as they finished top of the group and avoided a tie with Germany in the last-16. 

Winger Bukayo Saka came closest to scoring for England after finding the net before it being ruled out for offside.

But the night belonged to Slovenia as boss Matjaz Kek led his side to three successive draws in the groups, recording prior results against Denmark (1-1) and Serbia (1-1).

It is the first time they have ever qualified for the knockout round of a major tournament.

And they could have secured second spot if it was not for a bizarre head to head rule with Denmark. 

The Danes played out a similarly dismal stalemate against Serbia but finished ahead of Slovenia due to their superior points haul in qualifying after both teams copped an identical record in the group stages of the tournament itself. 

Denmark will now play hosts Germany in the last-16. 

The Danes thought they opened the scoring against Serbia midway through the first half but were denied after Christian Eriksen’s corner-kick delivery went out of play before being bundled in. 

The Serbs also had the ball in the net but were denied by an offside flag after Luka Jovic fired past Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel. 

However, it was not enough as they were sent home from the group stages at a major tournament once again. 



This was their first appearance at the Euros under the banner of Serbia after failing to make it out of the group stages of the World Cup in 2010, 2018 and 2022. 

Meanwhile, Austria stunned Group D rivals Netherlands to finish top at the expense of tournament favourites France in Group D. 

Ralf Rangnick’s side defeated the Dutch 3-2 in Berlin and were full value for their win. 

Donyell Malen’s own-goal after just six minutes gave them the lead before being pegged back just two minutes into the second half via Cody Gapko’s strike. 

Romano Schmid then scored to retake the lead for Austria but it looked as if Ronald Koeman’s charges salvaged a point 12 minutes from time when former Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay scored. 

But parity was restored for just three minutes as Marcel Sabitzer ensured a famous win for his country with a fine finish. 

Elsewhere in Group D, Kylian Mbappe made a goalscoring return from injury as France were held by Poland 1-1. 

The striker - who is set to officially join Real Madrid in a few days time - scored from the spot after breaking his nose in France’s opening day win against Austria. 

That 56th minute goal looked as if it would be enough to seal top spot for Didier Deschamps’ men. 

But they were denied as Robert Lewandowski too scored from 12 yards out as the battling Poles were sent packing from the tournament. 

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