How England can qualify automatically
The genius of Roy Hodgson turned the game around for the Three Lions on Matchday 2. Gareth Bale’s 42nd minute thunderbolt free-kick appeared to be pretty much intimidating. Then came Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge ahead of the second period and everything changed from there. With only his third touch of the game, Leicester City striker Vardy leveled the score for England. Liverpool forward Sturridge, meanwhile, left it late. Drama at its best!
This win fired Rooney and co. on top of Group B with 4 points and assured them of a top three finish. However, not wanting to leave anything to chance, expect them to play for the win against Slovakia although a draw would be enough to hand them automatic tickets to the Last 16 of the tournament. Should England draw against Slovakia and Wales defeat Russia, they will still qualify albeit as runners-up. A second-place finish in Group B would then pitch them against Group F’s runners-up. That may not be good news as that could mean a tricky clash against debutants Iceland or even against Portugal who disqualified them in the knockout stages at both Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Interestingly, England could lose on Monday and still go through automatically. A 1-0 defeat would keep them on 4 points and see them fall behind Slovakia who would then count 6 points. While the latter would win Group B’s top spot, the second automatic spot would go to the Three Lions provided:
1) Wales draw. That would put both teams on 4 points with the Welsh at a head-to-head disadvantage against England.
2) Russia beat Wales by nothing more than a 1-0 margin win and fail to outscore England’s “goal for” rate in the group
How Group B looks like ahead of the final clashes:
How Wales can qualify automatically
The English could of course lend a hand to their British brothers by defeating or drawing against Slovakia. This would ease the job of Aaron Ramsey and his crew. A draw against Russia would then be enough to reach the knockout stages automatically.
However, looking at how fiercely Hamsik’s side performed against the Russians, one cannot rule out an upset of England in Monday’s game in Saint-Etienne. Should Slovakia get the better of the Three Lions, Wales could fancy clinching Group B’s top spot by recording victory in Toulouse.
How Slovakia can qualify automatically
They have their fate in their hands thanks to their crucial win over Leonid Slutsky’s men on Matchday 2. They could source their confidence from the fact that they could come from behind to beat a side against which England only managed a disappointing draw. A second consecutive win for the Slovakians would seal qualification into the Last 16 of the UEFA Euro 2016 competition. A draw could also see them through without passing by the anxiety-loaded phase of the four best ranked third-place teams.
Mathematically, a draw would only be enough for Slovakia to clinch automatic Round of 16 tickets if Russia defeat Wales 1-0. Such a scenario would put the latter at the bottom of Group B whereas Slovakia and Russia would both count 4 points with a (+0) goal difference. However, the Slovaks would edge the Russians due to the head-to-head rule.
How Russia can qualify automatically
In four cruel words for Gareth Bale fans: by sending Wales home. Russia must disqualify the Welsh if they want to progress. But that’s not all that there is to the deal. They must also get England to defeat Slovakia. Will results go their way? Tune into Russia vs Wales to find out and follow Slovakia vs England as well.
Where to watch UEFA Euro 2016 Group B matches simultaneously?
Both matches kick-off simultaneously on Monday, June 20th. Live scores will be available on our website and the Live Soccer TV app. You may want to flip channels throughout or just stay locked on a single channel while receiving updates from the group’s other game. In any case, make sure to tune into the right channels. Here is where to watch both matches in the following countries:
- In USA at 3:00pm ET: Tune into Russia vs Wales on ESPN Xtra, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN3 USA, WATCH ESPN, ESPN2 and Slovakia vs England on WATCH ESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN3 USA, SiriusXM FC, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN
- In Canada at 3:00pm ET: Watch Russia vs Wales on TSN5, RDS 2, TSN4 and Slovakia vs England on RDS, TSN1, TSN3
- In UK at 20:00 BST: Follow Russia vs Wales on ITV 4 UK, The ITV Hub, STV Scotland, S4C, BBC Radio 5 Live Extra, TalkSport Radio UK and Slovakia vs England on ITV 1 UK, ITV 2 UK, BBC Radio 5 Live, The ITV Hub, STV Scotland, TalkSport Radio UK
Did you know Russia vs Wales will be officially broadcast in 171 countries and that Slovakia vs England will be shown in 179 countries? So if you live outside USA, Canada or the UK, no worries. Simply check out the geo-targeted listings at the bottom of this article or visit the match pages to view our unrivaled and up-to-date accurate live broadcast listings to follow Group B’s last two fixtures.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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