Forget the Czech Republic game on Tuesday - England just cruised into the final 16 of Euro 2020 without even kicking a ball.
Thanks to Belgium’s win against Finland, England has made it through to the next stages of the tournament - because they can no longer finish worse than third in their group.
Let’s quickly explain if you’re not a superfan: At the Euros the winners and runners-up in each of the six groups automatically qualify for the next round. Then the four best third-placed teams also make it through. (The tie-breaker between teams on the same points is head-to-head record followed by goal difference and goals scored between the teams in question followed by overall goal difference, goals scored, wins and disciplinary record.)
But the addition of allowing four 3rd-placed teams to qualify for the final 16 took all the fun out of the competition, at least for crisp munching goal hunter Gary Lineker:
This 4 3rd placed teams idea just takes all jeopardy and excitement out of the group stage. Really needs a rethink from @UEFA.
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) June 21, 2021
The whole system is, to both us and many on Twitter, a little confusing.
ℹ England have qualified due to the results tonight because after these results, at least 2 teams who will qualify in 3rd place will now go though with 3 points, so England's total of 4 points means they are guaranteed to go through, even if they finish 3rd in their group. pic.twitter.com/E7iWcGPNIN
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) June 21, 2021
Some people playfully praised manager Gareth Southgate, who’s been under fire from some fans over England’s uninspiring performances so far:
SOUTHGATE MASTERCLASS pic.twitter.com/dwh5x4yeyT
— Mainly Oasis (@mainlyoasis) June 21, 2021
England managed to score one goal, play like shit and guarantee qualification to the knockouts. Fair play Gareth.
— J.O'B (@chanceig) June 21, 2021
Some dug up delightful gifs of the man himself:
England have qualified for the round of 16. pic.twitter.com/dsLO29cify
— ✈️ (@Arrizabalager) June 21, 2021
There are people out there who are rightly wondering why we got so excited during the Scotland game given it all turned out to be way easier than we expected:
Others felt pretty ‘meh’ about the whole thing:
England are in the last 16 and for some reason I don’t care that much because we have Southgate in charge. This isn’t how I should feel considering how good our squad is.
— Olly💙 (@MCFCHag) June 21, 2021
And don’t forget, Wales are through too, and Scotland aren’t out of contention. Could be a very happy British Isles, despite all the lockdown malarkey:
Now, at least, if you don’t fancy watching England tomorrow, you can do something else. Maybe go see Weller, why not?
If you're looking for a way to pass 90 minutes tomorrow evening then Paul Weller Live at the Barbican, available on iplayer, is a belter. And a lot less stress-inducing than watching England.
— Jim White (@jimw1) June 21, 2021
