For the first time in Euro-2024, four matches will take place on the same day, Tuesday, to close out groups C and D.
Winning, and by the widest margin possible, is the straightforward equation for the French team, which faces Poland in a rematch of the last World Cup round of 16, won 3-1 by Les Bleus. Strong defensively but too clumsy in front of goal with only one goal scored thanks to an own goal, the French also need to gain confidence before entering the knockout stage.
The situation is almost identical for the English, who have, like the French, one win and one draw. A win would secure first place for the Three Lions, but a draw could be enough if Denmark does not win or if Gareth Southgate’s men remain ahead of the Scandinavians on goal difference (Beirut time).
7:00 PM: France vs. Poland
This time, Didier Deschamps is not expected to rotate his squad for his third group stage match in a major competition. Far from assured of first place in Group D, which could offer them a more favorable knockout stage path, after their 0-0 draw against the Netherlands, Les Bleus must beat Poland and outperform the Oranje, who play simultaneously against Austria.
In their quest for their first self-scored goal, the 2022 World Cup runners-up could count on the return of Kylian Mbappé, their providential scorer. On the other side, Poland, the only team in the Euro with zero points, could also see their star striker start the match. After missing the game against the Netherlands and coming on an hour into the match against Austria, Robert Lewandowski is a key asset to prevent the Poles from leaving Germany empty-handed.
7:00 PM: Netherlands vs. Austria
In France’s group, the Netherlands and Austria face off to secure a spot in the round of 16. A draw would be enough for the Oranje to finish in one of the top two places, while the Austrians need a win to overtake their opponents. The battle promises to be tough between two combative teams, as shown in their matches against Les Bleus.
10:00 PM: England vs. Slovenia
Criticism is raining down on Gareth Southgate and his players across the Channel. After a hard-fought 1-0 win against Serbia, the Three Lions drew 1-1 with Denmark in a match dominated by the Scandinavians. Both games had a similar pattern: an early lead followed by a drop in intensity without finding the solution despite their attacking talents (Foden, Saka, Bellingham, and Kane).
The English are still in a favorable position for first place, as a draw could be enough if Denmark does not beat Serbia. However, the catastrophic scenario of a defeat against Slovenia and a Danish victory, which would push England down to third place, cannot be ruled out, given how vulnerable the previous finalists seem. With four points, it seems almost impossible for them not to be among the four best third-placed teams to qualify for the round of 16.
10:00 PM: Denmark vs. Serbia
In Group C, Denmark and Serbia are also competing for one of the top two direct qualification spots. A slight advantage goes to the Danes, who have two points, against one for their opponents. A win is imperative for Dusan Tadic’s teammates, while the Scandinavians can settle for a draw if Slovenia does not pull off an upset against England and overtake them.
