UEFA EURO 2024 Group E matchday 3: Permutations, TV schedules, live streaming info - June 26

An usual situation is on the cards as Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine all get their respective matchday three group stage matches underway on Wednesday, June 26th.

Why? For the first time in European championship history, all four teams are heading into matchday three on three points each. With all four sides in Group E having won one and lost one of their games, this means that both games featuring Slovakia vs Romania and Ukraine vs Belgium will be among the most decisive matches fans have seen so far in this competition.

Permutations: The state of play in Group E

Here is how Group E looks ahead of matchday three:

[TABLE 70 "Group E"]

Romania

Romania started their Euro tournament off on a good footing as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Ukraine. However, they then suffered a 2-0 reversal to Belgium on matchday three, meaning that they will really need to put on a better display if they want to qualify for the knockout rounds.

In short, Romania will secure their spot in the round of 16 if:

They avoid losing to Slovakia. Simply put, a win or draw against Slovakia will be enough to ensure they finish in the top two spots in Group E.
If Romania lose to Slovakia and Ukraine manage to avoid a loss to Belgium, they will be heading home early.

Belgium

After failing to really match up to expectations for well over a decade, Belgium once again are hoping to silence their growing audience of critics due to their disappointing showings at international tournaments. The Red Devils were given a rude shock in their tournament opener against Slovakia, but despite that 1-0 loss, they successfully rebounded with a well-earned 2-0 victory over Romania.

Next up for Belgium will be a match against Ukraine. The Red Devils will ensure they avoid what will be an embarrassing early exit if they can:

Avoid losing to Ukraine. A win or a draw will be enough to ensure they finish in one of Group E's top two spots.
If Belgium lose to Ukraine and Romania win or draw against Slovakia, they will be knocked out at the group stage.

Slovakia

Slovakia did start their competition off on a great foot thanks to a 1-0 win over Belgium, but now will need to pick themselves up after a surprise 2-1 loss to Ukraine. During that game, they had taken a 1-0 lead, but it turned out to be in vain as Ukraine managed to score two sans reply. Now, it's literally win or go home for Slovakia in their final group stage match against Romania on matchday three.

Slovakia will qualify for the round of 16 if:

They avoid losing to Romania. A win or a draw against Romania will be enough to help them qualify.
A win over Romania, coupled with Ukraine failing to beat Belgium, would also see Slovakia head into the round of 16 as group winners.
Slovakia can also qualify for the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams if they do not lose to Romania.

Ukraine

Ukraine had a nightmare start to EURO 2024, as they were thoroughly beaten 3-0 by Romania. However, they now have managed to earn themselves a major boost following a 2-1 win over Slovakia and are theoretically just 90 minutes away from possibly securing a round of 16 spot as they prepare to take on Belgium.

They will qualify for the round of 16 if:

They beat Belgium.
If Ukraine draw against Belgium, they could qualify as one of the best-third placed teams provided that Slovakia and Romania do not draw in their match.
If Ukraine lose to Belgium and Slovakia pick up at least a point against Romania, they will be eliminated.

Match facts ahead of Slovakia vs. Romania

Romania are hoping to qualify for the knockout rounds at a Euro competition for the first time since 2000
Meanwhile, Slovakia are winless in their last nine meetings against Romania - which is the longest such run for them against any other opponent in team history
In addition, Slovakia have won just one of their last 11 friendly ties versus Romania - which took place back in 1942

Match facts ahead of Ukraine vs. Belgium

This will be the first ever meeting between Ukraine and Belgium
To date, Belgium are unbeaten in their last 22 matches when it comes to playing an opponent for the first time (W13 D9)
Their last such defeat was a 1-0 loss to Egypt back in 1999
Ukraine have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 European championship games
Belgium have not lost their last group stage match (W5 D1) since 2000, when they were beaten 2-0 by Turkey

Team news for Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine

Romania: Denis Alibec has returned following an injury and featured off the bench during his team's loss to Belgium - so it's possible he may get a start in this upcoming tie.

Belgium: Dodi Lukebakio is suspended for this game, while Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier are in doubt due to various injuries.

Slovakia: No injury concerns for Slovakia heading into this game.

Ukraine: Ukraine appear to have a full-strength squad ahead of this match.