The expansion of the European Championships means that every team in the final round of games, with the exception of poor old Ukraine, have a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
On Monday night, France secured top spot in Group A, Switzerland were runners-up and Albania finished third after they beat Romania 1-0. The Albanians now have to wait to see if they’re one of the four best placed third teams.
In Group B, everything is to play for.
England will begin their game against Slovakia in top spot, knowing a win will see them finish top regardless of the other results. If England were to draw with Slovakia, and Wales beat Russia, then Wales would top the group and play the third placed team from either Group’s A, C or D in Paris on Saturday.
Still with us? Because this is where it starts to get messy.
If both Wales and England draw, then the Group will remain as it is with Roy Hodgson’s side top and Wales in second. The runner-up in Group B will play the runner-up in Group F which features Portugal, Austria, Iceland and Hungary.
If both England and Wales lose, Slovakia will top the group, England will finish second and Wales will drop to the bottom of the table.
Of course the ideal tactic for both England and Wales is still the catchphrase of former Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis – just win, baby.
Clear as mud. Just win. pic.twitter.com/6X7Iaork5R
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) June 18, 2016
