England can help Scotland qualify for Euro 2024 knockout stage with Denmark result
England could end up helping Scotland's hopes of qualifying
REUTERS
Scotland fans may have to swallow their pride in the final set of group fixtures and show support for England in their own bid to qualify for the Euro 2024 knockout stage.
Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time in their history hangs in the balance after their 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Scott McTominay's deflected effort gave Scotland an early lead before Xherdan Shaqiri pounced on a mistake from Anthony Ralston before curling his effort into the top corner.
Steve Clarke's side wasted a couple of golden chances to grab a winner with Grant Hanley's header smashing against the post.
England could end up helping Scotland's hopes of qualifying
REUTERS
It leaves Scotland on one point heading into their final group game against Hungary on Sunday.
They need an unlikely six-goal swing in their favour with a win over Hungary as well as Switzerland losing to Germany to secure second place in the group.
The more likely route for Scotland to make it to the knockout phase is by being one of the best third-placed teams.
Since the European Championships were expanded to 24 teams from the original 16-team format, four of the best third-placed teams in the group stage have also qualified for the knockout stages.
With just six groups, it provides ample opportunity for teams to carry on in the tournament.
A win over Hungary for Scotland will likely seal one of the four spots as no team in the previous two tournaments has failed to reach the round-of-16 with four points.
But a draw for Scotland means they will finish on two points and that could prove troublesome in their hopes of qualifying.
That's where England may come in to help Scotland when they face Denmark later today.
Scotland will be aiming to be one of the best third-placed teams
REUTERS
The Three Lions are in prime position to secure top spot in Group C if they beat the Danes on Thursday.
But Denmark will drop down to third or even fourth in their group sitting on one point if they lose to England.
That would put Denmark in direct competition with Scotland to secure one of the best third-placed spots.
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Currently, Denmark would hold a significant advantage due to their goal difference but a thumping win for England could end up helping Scotland.
England's final group game against Slovenia may also hold significance though with Scotland likely needing another big win for Gareth Southgate's side.
It's not something Scottish fans have been used to in recent years, but they may well end up having to show support for England through gritted teeth in their bid to qualify for the knockout stages.