The only way that England will not face the Netherlands in the last 16 revealed ahead of final group fixtures

The only way that England will avoid facing the Netherlands in the last 16 of Euro 2024 has been revealed ahead of the final group fixtures.

England topped Group C as a result of their 0-0 draw against Slovenia, with Denmark failing to beat Serbia.

That means Gareth Southgate's side will take on one of three third-placed sides in the last 16, although the exact identity of their opponents has yet to be confirmed.

One potential option is to take on the Netherlands, who dropped down to third in Group D on Tuesday after losing 3-2 to Austria.

But England can also still face the third-placed team from either Group E or F, depending on the results in those groups on Wednesday.

The situation effectively revolves around whether Hungary, who finished in third place in Group A, qualify for the last 16.

Marco Rossi's side are on the cusp of being eliminated from contention, as they sit in fourth place in the ranking of the six third-placed teams. Only four nations can qualify.

Czechia can still overtake them, but would need to beat Turkey in Group F due to their negative goal difference. This also applies to Georgia beating Portugal.

ESPN's Dale Johnson has confirmed that, should third place in Group E - Belgium, Romania, Slovakia or Ukraine - qualify on goal difference as expected, England would face that team in the last 16 if Czechia or Georgia also win.

The maths becomes slightly more complex in the event of a heavy scoreline in Group E. If Belgium beat Ukraine by more than two goals and Slovakia lose by three or more goals to Romania, Hungary would leap above them.

But in the simplest sense, Johnson writes, Hungary qualifying for the knockouts means England will face Netherlands.

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England will know their opponents by the end of Wednesday, with both groups being wrapped up by then.

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