What's next if England reach Euro 2025 knockouts?

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20 hours ago

England moved closer to sealing a quarter-final spot with their 4-0 win against the Netherlands on Wednesday [Getty Images]
Now that England have won a game at Euro 2025, people are starting to get excited about the Lionesses' chances.
A dismal opening defeat by France had seen expectations fall, but thrashing the Netherlands 4-0 has raised fans' hopes once again.
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England haven't qualified yet, but they will do so if they beat Wales on Sunday. A result that could also still win them the group.
With that in mind, BBC Sport looks at who England could face if they qualify - and a game against old rivals Germany is potentially on the cards.
What happens if the groups stay as they are?
Remember when Alessia Russo scored that backheel at Euro 2022?
Another game against Sweden - who England beat 4-0 in the semi-finals on the road to victory three years ago - is a prospect.
If Sweden avoid defeat by Germany in their final group-stage game on Saturday, then they will top Group C.
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For England to finish second in Group D, they need to either beat Wales, draw with Wales and France avoid defeat against the Netherlands, or not lose by four goals or more and the Netherlands lose.
Ending up on that side of the draw would have another benefit for the Lionesses - because England would dodge Spain, the side who beat them in the 2023 World Cup final, until the last match.
Beating Sweden would mean they play either Norway or Italy, both ranked outside the world's top 10, in the semis.
What happens if Germany beat Sweden?
If Germany beat Sweden, and England finish second in Group D, then the two heavyweights will play each other in the quarter-finals.
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It would be a repeat of the Euro 2022 final, where the Lionesses famously beat Germany in extra time at Wembley to lift their first major trophy.
Victory would again mean Norway or Italy in the semi-finals.
What happens if England win their group?
There is another scenario which could lead to England facing Germany.
If Sweden avoid defeat by Germany, and England top Group D, then the two will play each other in the quarter-finals.
This time, though, it would happen on the other side of the draw. If England beat Germany, then they would face either hosts Switzerland or world champions Spain in the semi-finals.
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For England to win the group, they need the Netherlands' game against France to go their way.
If England beat Wales and the Netherlands beat France, then England, France and the Netherlands would all be on six points.
Head-to-head results, the first tie-breaker, wouldn't separate the three sides so it would go down to head-to-head goal difference - meaning England would finish first if the Netherlands beat France by fewer than seven goals.
The Netherlands would take France's spot in second place if they win by three goals or more.
What if England top their group and Germany beat Sweden?
This time, England would face Sweden in the last eight - but be on the same side of the draw as Spain.
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The Lionesses would not face Germany before the final.
As before, the Netherlands would take France's spot in the quarter-finals if they win by three goals or more.