Spain maintained their 100% record at Euro 2024 as they defeated and eliminated Albania – a result that meant England, France and the Netherlands all secured last-16 places. Albania's defeat means they go home, while Spain go through at the top of Group B.
England, France and the Netherlands have qualifed for the knockout stages of Euro 2024, with Albania's 1-0 loss to Spain on Monday (Jun 24) confirming their places.
Niether of the three nations played on Monday, but Albania's result means the four points each have earned from their opening two group-stage matches guarantees they cannot finish outside of the third-place spots that advance to the knockouts.
England claimed a narrow victory over Serbia in their Group C opener but drew to Denmark on Thursday, while France and the Netherlands each won their opening matches before holding each other to a 0-0 draw on Friday.
Spain had already qualified for the last 16 and went ahead after 13 minutes when Dani Olmo threaded the ball through to Ferran Torres, who fired a sumptuous low shot in off the far post.
Spain dominated play and Torres, Mikel Merino and Joselu all came close to scoring. Albania showed determination throughout and fought desperately for a goal, with Kristjan Asllani and substitute Armando Broja forcing keeper David Raya into saves at full stretch.
If Albania had beaten Spain then England would have had to wait until Tuesday to secure their potential qualification, but Spain, European champions in 1964, 2008 and 2012, proved too strong.
