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Slovakia vs Romania and Ukraine vs Belgium - Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates as deciding matches are rocked by 'fix' row in the group that could provide England's knock-out opponent

2 months ago 24

Time for the national anthems

The national anthems get underway at the Romania vs Slovakia match, as the two teams head out in Stuittgart.

Volunteers display the tournament logo on the pitch prior to the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Slovakia and Romania at the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt am Main on June 26, 2024. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Teams heading into the tunnel

The players from all four sides are heading into the tunnels and at the Slovakia vs Romania match, they are already heading out onto the pitch.

Hopefully we're in for a cracking afternoon full of goals and drama.

A Belgium fan cheers ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Ukraine and Belgium at the Stuttgart Arena in Stuttgart on June 26, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

epa11439264 Supporters of Ukraine cheer ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 Group E soccer match between Ukraine and Belgium, in Stuttgart, Germany, 25 June 2024.  EPA/ANNA SZILAGYI

epa11439260 Supporters of Slovakia cheer before the UEFA EURO 2024 group E soccer match between Slovakia and Romania, in Frankfurt Main, Germany, 26 June 2024.  EPA/MOHAMMED BADRA

Romanian fans cheer on their team prior to kick off a Group E match at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament against Slovakia in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Romania looking to break 24-year barren run

Romania will be looking to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2000.

On that occasion Ioan Ganea broke English hearts from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after Phil Neville gave away the spot-kick.

A draw would be good enough for them to qualify for the last-16 this time around which would be a massive achievement.

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group E - Slovakia v Romania - Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, Germany - June 26, 2024 Romania's Radu Dragusin and Nicusor Bancu during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

Can this man get off the mark today?

Romelu Lukaku would be leading the Golden Boot race with three goals... if it wasn't for VAR.

Luck hasn't been on his side at the Euros but could this be the day that comes to an end against a country that Belgium have never played against before.

Belgium's forward #10 Romelu Lukaku warms up ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Ukraine and Belgium at the Stuttgart Arena in Stuttgart on June 26, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

The most open group in Euros history?

It is the first time in European Championship history that all four teams have been on three points with one game left.

Every side in this group could still finish top, or bottom.

Prepare for a lot of predicted tables, permutations - and high and potential late drama all the way until the final whistle.

 Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Ukraine and Belgium at Stuttgart Arena on June 26, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 Maksym Talovierov of Ukraine looks on as he walks out of the tunnel to inspect the pitch prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Ukraine and Belgium at Stuttgart Arena on June 26, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Chris Ricco - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 Martin Dubravka of Slovakia warms up prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovakia and Romania at Frankfurt Arena on June 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Atmosphere building ahead of both clashes

It is very rare at the European Championship where all four teams in a group have a real sense of optimism going into their final game.

Lot of smiles and positive energy from all four sets of supporters ahead of kick-off in 40 minutes or so, but there will be heartbreak for atleast one nation in over two hours.

But there is a strong chance as things stand that atleast three teams will make it out of this group and depending on results in Group F, England could be playing against one of these sides on Sunday.

Ukraine supporter cheers before the start of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Ukraine and Belgium at the Stuttgart Arena in Stuttgart on June 26, 2024. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images)

Belgium fans pose for a photograph prior to the Group E match between Ukraine and Belgium at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

 Slovakia fans show their support outside the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovakia and Romania at Frankfurt Arena on June 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Harriet Lander - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Romania fans fly a large national flag in the crowd as they await kick-off in the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Slovakia and Romania at the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt am Main on June 26, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

TEAM NEWS: Belgium vs Ukraine

Well the big news is that Chelsea striker Mykhailo Mudryk is not in the squad while Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko also drops to the bench for Ukraine.

Everton left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko has recovered from an ankle injury and comes in for Zinchenko.

For Belgium, another Gunner Leandro Trossard returns as he replaces Dodi Lukebakio.

TEAM NEWS: Slovakia vs Romania

Ianis Hagi, son of Romanian legend Gheorghe, starts in place of Valentin Mihalia while Florinel Coman comes in for Dennis Man.

Just one change for Slovakia as David Strelec starts up front in place of Robert Bozenik.

Why England will be watching Group E conclude

The England camp will likely have an eye on the final matches in Group E.

As winners of Group C, the Three Lions are set to face one of the best third placed teams.

The likliest option is the Netherlands, but another possibility will be the third place finisher in Group E.

Mail Sport has broken down England's potential last-16 opponents.

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