How DANGEROUS are the teams standing in England's way at Euro 2024? (2025)

Despite all the criticism, conjecture and noise, England are just three games away from winning Euro 2024.

It hasn't been easy for Gareth Southgate's side in Germany, but all that matters at tournaments is results and thankfully for him, the Three Lions have done just about enough to reach the last eight.

Sunday's dramatic victory over Slovakia wasn't pretty, with England set to go out after a drab performance until Jude Bellingham's stunning 95th minute intervention, before Harry Kane scored the winner in extra time.


They now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, before a potential semi-final match-up against the Netherlands or Turkey next Wednesday, with Spain, Germany, France and Portugal on the other side of the draw.

In light of Euro 2024 heading into its final stages, Mail Sport has looked at England's potential opponents on the way to glory and rated what danger they pose to England's chances of triumphing in Berlin on July 14.

England are just three games away from glory at Euro 2024 after reaching the quarter-finals

The Three Lions have failed to impress, but they fought back to beat Slovakia on Sunday

Gareth Southgate will be desperate to see his side go all the way and win the tournament

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QUARTER-FINAL OPPONENT: Switzerland

If England had been offered a quarter-final against Switzerland before Euro 2024 began, they would have most likely jumped at the chance at taking on a nation that has never reached the semi-finals of a major tournament.

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Switzerland have been knocked out in the last-16 at the past three World Cups, while they have only made it out of the group at three European Championships.

Yet, despite an underwhelming qualifying campaign that saw Swiss boss Murat Yakin come under significant pressure after overseeing four wins out of 10, his team have been a revelation at Euro 2024.

Powered by a Premier League core, where Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji have excelled at the back, former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has helped them to dominate games from midfield.

But it has been lesser-known stars like Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas who have sprinkled the attacking quality, and after almost beating Germany to top spot in their group, Switzerland cruised past Italy in the last-16 stage following a hugely impressive display.

On paper, England should still have enough to beat the Swiss, but as they have shown throughout the tournament, they are not a side to be underestimated.

Danger Rating - 3/5

Switzerland have been a breath of fresh air at Euro 2024 and could cause problems for England

POTENTIAL SEMI-FINAL POTENTIAL OPPONENT: Netherlands or Turkey

The Netherlands

Ronald Koeman's side finally announced themselves at Euro 2024 with a thumping 3-0 victory over Romania in the last-16 on Tuesday.

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Despite a late winner over Poland in their opening game of the tournament, a 0-0 draw with France and a 3-2 defeat by Austria showed this Netherlands team are vulnerable.

Many would argue that the nature of the Euros, where Netherlands finished third in their group but still progressed, makes a mockery of the initial stages, but the Oranje are now well-placed to reach the final four.

The Netherlands have shown in recent games that their attacking talent is to be envied, with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo looking in inspired form, while Donyell Malen scored twice against Romania.

Although their defensive options include the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake, Koeman's side did look leaky against Austria and that is something that will give England encouragement.

In truth, their squad seems to be a mix of promising young players who are yet to reach their peak, and some experienced stars who have a multitude of tournament experiences such as Memphis Depay.

But, while there are question marks over Koeman's tactical acumen, if the Netherlands' display against Romania is anything to go by, they cannot be taken lightly.

Danger Rating - 4/5

The Netherlands looked to have clicked into gear with their 3-0 win over Romania in the last-16

Turkey

Like the Netherlands, Turkey are a hugely entertaining team to watch and could be another intriguing opponent for England if they are to meet in the semi-finals.

Tuesday was a huge night for the Turks, who reached a quarter-final of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years after they held on to beat Austria 2-1.

Read More Turkey keeper Mert Gunok pulls off 'Gordon Banks-esque' save in 94th minute

In fact, since their run to the semi-finals at Euro 2008, Turkey have failed to qualify for five out of eight tournaments, while they were knocked out in the group stage at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.

Vincenzo Montella's side have been one of the tournament's most enterprising teams, with their four games comprising 13 goals, while they currently have the worst disciplinary record after picking up 18 bookings.

Turkey aren't afraid to attack and are driven by the young talents of Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, yet they have also shown astute game management to reach the final eight.

However, they were slightly fortunate to beat Austria with keeper Mert Gunok pulling off several stunning saves, including a 'Gordon Banks-esque' stop deep into added time.

They were similarly well-beaten by Portugal in the group stage and rode their luck against Georgia.

But, Turkey continue to upset the odds, while they will be backed by a vociferous support in Germany and Montella's men could prove to be an uncomfortable opponent for the Three Lions.

Danger Rating - 2/5

Turkey reached their first quarter-final in 16 years in dramatic fashion after beating Austria 2-1

POTENTIAL FINAL OPPONENT: Spain, Germany, France or Portugal

Spain

England will be thanking their lucky stars that they have avoided several of the larger nations on their side of the draw.

If they do make it to the final, the early favourites to be their opponents are Spain, who look like the best team at the tournament under Luis de la Fuente.

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While they retain the traditional possession-based qualities of a Spanish side, La Roja have added more dynamism and they have been the most dangerous team at the tournament.

Spain remain the only side to win all of their games at Euro 2024, scoring nine and conceding just once, while wingers Lamine Yamal, 16, and Nico Williams, 21, are proving to be the breakout stars in Germany.

Their squad depth is also mouthwatering and during their 4-1 victory over Georgia in the last-16, Spain racked up an astonishing 35 shots.

England will need to up their recent performances dramatically to even compete with Spain if the teams meet in Berlin.

Danger Rating - 5/5

Spain look like the best team at the tournament after four superb performances in Germany

Germany

After two games of the tournament when Germany had romped home to two comfortable wins, expectations were being raised around the country that this could be a memorable summer.

However, these hopes were slightly tapered following an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Switzerland, where Julian Nagelsmann's side looked slow and predictable before they edged past Denmark 2-0 in the last-16.

The victory over the Danes was convincing in parts, but Germany also rode their luck after Joachim Andersen had a goal harshly ruled out for offside.

Nagelsmann did show his ability to adapt against Denmark as he made the bold call to drop Florian Wirtz in favour of Leroy Sane in order to give his side more width.

Although Spain are likely to be favourites for their quarter-final showdown, Germany have a star-studded squad, and along with the home support, they will still fancy their chances of glory this summer.

Danger Rating - 4.5/5

Julian Nagelsmann's side have shown a willingness to adapt in front of their supportive crowd

France

Like England, France are yet to really hit their straps at Euro 2024, with Didier Deschamps' side having failed to convince in Germany.

Les Bleus have drawn two of their four games and scored just three goals - two of which were own goals, while the other one was a penalty.

However, Deschamps is a veteran of international management, with the former midfielder at his sixth major tournament as France boss.

When the pressure is on, his team know how to grind out results and the fact they've conceded just one goal in four games shows that even if their attack is misfiring, Les Bleus will still be hard to beat.

We are yet to see anywhere near the best of Kylian Mbappe and although France still have much work to do, they retain that fear factor as a potential opponent.

Danger Rating - 5/5

France have been underwhelming in Germany, but they retain that fear factor as an opponent

Portugal

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For much of Portugal's last-16 clash against Slovenia it threatened to be one of the least entertaining games of the tournament as Roberto Martinez's side dominated possession without creating much, bar Cristiano Ronaldo's embarrassing plethora of free kicks that he blasted over the bar.

However, that all changed when the 39-year-old superstar stepped up to take a potentially decisive spot kick in the 105th minute.

But the Al-Nassr star, who is enduring somewhat of a nightmare tournament, saw his effort saved by Slovenia stopper Jan Oblak before he dramatically broke down in tears.

Ronaldo's blushes were spared as Portugal progressed 3-0 on penalties, with the forward scoring his spot kick in the shootout, but it was unconvincing from Martinez's team.

Portugal's squad is full of stars, but Roberto Martinez's side are yet to truly convince

It followed a shock 2-0 defeat by Georgia in their final group game and Martinez seems to be struggling to find a system that gets the best out of his star players, something that has been a similar problem for England and France.

The former Everton and Belgium boss has tinkered throughout their campaign and needs to settle on a way forward fast if Portugal are live up to their pre-tournament expectations as one of the favourites.

Danger Rating - 4/5

How DANGEROUS are the teams standing in England's way at Euro 2024? (2025)

FAQs

Who is the biggest disappointment in Euro 2024? ›

MOST DISAPPOINTING XI OF EURO 2024

CB: Josip Sutalo, Croatia: Playing in the central defensive position filled for so long by reliable Dejan Lovren, he and Croatia's defence creaked, conceding three times vs. Spain and twice vs. Albania as they failed to produce their usual deep tournament run.

What are the odds on England winning the Euro 2024? ›

England Euro 2024 Odds
TeamBest OddsImplied Probability
England To Lift The Trophy11/842%
Spain (90 Minutes)8/538%
England (90 Minutes)13/528%
Draw (90 Minutes)19/1034%
1 more row
Jul 12, 2024

Who will England face in round of 16? ›

The Three Lions began with a laboured 1-0 win over Serbia, ahead of 1-1 and 0-0 draws with Denmark and Slovenia respectively. Still, that was enough to top Group C and set up a round of 16 clash with Slovakia.

Is Spain better than England in euros? ›

England won nine of their first 13 games against Spain, losing three, but have only four victories in the last 14 matches compared to seven for La Roja. Spain are the first team to win six games at a single edition of the European Championship.

Who will hold Euro 2024? ›

Three-time winners Germany hosted the 17th UEFA European Championship in 2024. EURO 2024 was Germany's first major tournament as hosts since the 2006 FIFA World Cup and fixtures took place in ten host cities including the capital, Berlin.

How many people watched the Euro 2024? ›

A tournament that dominated on TV

Viewership grew as the team progressed through the tournament, peaking at an average audience of 26.13 million viewers for ARD's coverage of the quarter-final defeat to Spain.

Who is the favorite team to win Euro 2024? ›

England were being tipped as the top favourite to win the EURO 2024.

How can England beat Spain? ›

Target Carvajal and Cucurella with crosses

England should have a height advantage in these scenarios against Spain's full-backs Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella. Expect to see Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham attach themselves to either full-back when the ball is on the opposite side.

Who is favored for the Euro Cup 2024? ›

Euro 2024 odds over time
TeamOpening Odds (Feb. 14, 2023)Ahead of Group Stage (June 14, 2024)
Spain+700+700
England+650+350
France+600+400
Netherlands+1200+1600
20 more rows
Jul 15, 2024

What happens if England loses to Slovakia? ›

What happens if England lose to Slovakia? If Slovakia manages to surprise and beat England, Gareth Southgate's team will be automatically eliminated from UEFA Euro 2024 and will have to wait four more years to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

How many 3rd place teams qualify for Euro 2024? ›

There are six groups in Euro 2024, but only four third-place teams progress to the last 16, joining the 12 top-two qualifiers. The teams who are placed third in the group are ranked in a table and the best-performing teams advance. The ranking is based on a number of factors, in order: Points.

Are England top of their group? ›

England finished top of their group in the European Championship after a goalless draw against Slovenia - but the performance was booed by fans. The Three Lions - that's the nickname for the England men's team - were already through to the knockout stage of the tournament before the game.

Is it cheaper to live in Spain or England? ›

The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in the UK, especially in areas such as utility costs, grocery shopping, and transportation.

Who was more powerful Spain or England? ›

England was not the most powerful European nation in the 16th century. Spain was most influential. Along with Portugal, Spain dominated New World exploration in the decades that followed Columbus. France, the Netherlands, and Sweden all showed greater interest in the Western Hemisphere than England did.

What are the odds of England beating Spain? ›

Spain decisively ahead for bookies and algorithms

The OptaAnalyst algorithm foresees a 60.38% possibility Spain will lift the trophy, while England's chance stands at 39.22%. Bookies are fully aligned and put Spain ahead with an 8/11 chance to win the tournament against England's 13/10.

How many people qualify for Euro 2024? ›

In total, 23 teams will join hosts Germany in the 24-team UEFA EURO 2024 finals. The first 20 places will be decided by the qualifying group stage, with the top two in each section advancing. The remaining three spots go to the winners of the play-offs, linked to the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League.

What were the odds of Euro 2004 final? ›

Greece won the match 1–0 and were crowned European champions, a title that they were given odds as long as 150–1 chance of winning before the tournament. All of Greece's wins in the knockout stage came in an identical manner: a 1–0 win, with the goal being a header off a cross from the right wing.

Which countries are bidding for Euro 2028? ›

UEFA EURO 2028 will take place in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. The joint bid from England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales was appointed by the UEFA Executive Committee on 10 October 2023.

How to get Euro 2024? ›

The tickets will be delivered via the official UEFA Mobile Tickets app. The app allows fans to securely download, transfer and keep guest tickets anytime and anywhere. The UEFA EURO 2024 opening match will be played in the Munich Football Arena.

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