Group C was by far the least eventful in the opening stage of the 2024 European Championship.
From six games, there were only seven goals. By contrast, Germany scored eight in Group A.
The good news is we won’t have to watch another Group C fixture. The bad news is three of these sides will remain in the competition.
England made it through as group winners, despite producing three thoroughly unimpressive performances.
Denmark also progressed, while Slovenia also grabbed a last-16 spot as one of the best third-placed teams. Serbia were the unfortunate ones, going out with just two points and one goal.
What Next?
Through: England, Denmark, Slovenia
Eliminated: Serbia
Top scorer: Christian Eriksen, Erik Janza, Jude Bellingham, Zan Karnicnik, Luka Jovic, Harry Kane, Morten Hjulmand (one each)
As the only team to win a fixture, England topped the group. They will face the third-placed team from groups D or E, which will be either Netherlands, Romania, Belgium, Slovakia or Ukraine.
But, perhaps more importantly, they will be on the opposite side of the draw to Germany, France, Portugal and Spain, meaning they cannot face any of these four teams unless they reach the final.
Denmark finished in second place and go into that half of the knockout stage. They will clash with hosts Germany in Dortmund on Saturday.
Slovenia won’t know their round of 16 opponents until the conclusion of Group F. This will be their first knockout game as an independent nation.
Serbia’s first European Championship as an independent nation did not go as planned. Despite a few big names in their ranks, they were unable to make much of an impact in Germany.
Elsewhere, these results ensure that Croatia are eliminated from the competition.
Standout Performer – Marc Guehi
In a group of so few goals, it will come as little surprise that a defender is our standout.
Before the opening game, the debate over John Stones’ centre-back partner was a major feature of England’s pre-tournament build-up following an injury to Harry Maguire.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi was Gareth Southgate’s preferred choice, and he has since justified the manager’s faith.
The 23-year-old has been arguably the only positive in an uninspiring campaign from the Three Lions.
Featuring at his first-ever major tournament, Guehi has not looked out of place at the back, helping his side keep two clean sheets.
