England handed dream draw for Euros next summer - with Scotland facing tough fixture against hosts Germany
2 December 2023, 18:14 | Updated: 2 December 2023, 21:04
England have been drawn against Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia at next summer's European Championships - as Gareth Southgate looks to go one better than his previous attempt and win the trophy.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Steve Clarke's Scotland are facing a nightmare draw as they face Germany in the tournament's opening fixture in Munich before facing Hungary and Switzerland as part of a steep challenge to reach the knockout stage.
England's draw with Denmark will see them face the side they eliminated from Euro 2020 with a controversial rebound from a penalty in which Kasper Schmeichel was blinded by a green laser.
Rob Page's Wales still need to win two play-off matches in March if they are going to make it, but if they do they face a difficult assignment against 2022 World Cup finalists France, the Netherlands and Austria.
Hopes are high in the English camp as the so-called "golden generation" seeks to secure its legacy after losing the Euro 2020 final against Italy on penalties.
Gareth Southgate's side are joint favourites to win the tournament with Didier Deschamps' France - who the Three Lions are on a collision course with should both sides top their groups.
Germany will host the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024.
Gareth Southgate insists England will head into Euro 2024 ready to handle the expectation that comes with being ranked one of the tournament favourites.
The England boss and his players were pitted against Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia in Group C for next summer's finals in Germany in Saturday night's draw in Hamburg.
Southgate has overseen a transformation of England's fortunes since he took over in 2016, steering them to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990 at the 2018 tournament in Russia and a first-ever Euro final appearance in 2021.
There were further signs of progress in December's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and the side are firm favourites to take the final step and claim silverware, thanks in no small part to Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich sharpshooter Harry Kane.
"They are used to playing in big matches together and individually, so we are excited and all looking forward to the summer.
"We feel the squad has been building for a period of time and England are going to be competitive for the foreseeable future as you look at the young players coming through. When we started at St George's Park it is what we wanted to happen.
"If you are continually in those latter stages, most teams that win go close and then get there."
