Will England be involved in a third place play-off match if they lose to the Netherlands in Wednesday’s UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final?
Many have been asking ahead of the clash between Gareth Southgate and Ronald Koeman’s sides at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, where a place in the final against Spain awaits either the Three Lions or the Oranje.
So, will England be involved in a third place play-off if the Netherlands win the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final? Let’s take a look…
Exploring if England will partake in UEFA Euro 2024 third place play-off
If England lose to the Netherlands, there will be no need for Southgate and his players to hang around in Germany.
Unlike the World Cup, in which FIFA have always included a third place play-off match, UEFA decided to scrap the idea back in 1980 after the Euros were held in Italy.
The decision was made due to the fact that supporters showed little excitement for the third place play-off match at this specific tournament, which took place between Italy and Czechoslovakia.
It was a thrilling affair as Italy lost 9-8 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time, although viewing figures were poor, as was the attendance inside the stadium, which spoke volumes seeing as Italy, the host nation, were playing.
UEFA then decided to remove the game altogether, and it has stayed that way ever since.
That was – and remains – a wise decision.
Coaches, players and fans alike are usually gutted after losing a semi-final, so the last thing anybody wants to do is prepare for another match just days after defeat, only to cement third place.
Prize money if the Three Lions beat the Netherlands
The Football Association (FA) stand to receive a huge amount of cash if England beat the Netherlands.
England already secured a €4m (£3.4m) payment just for overcoming Switzerland and reaching the semi-finals, and there is a further €5m (£4.2m) awaiting them in the event of finishing second as runners-up.
If England manage to reach the final against Spain and actually overcome Luis de la Fuente’s side, that €5m payment will instead become an €8m (£6.8m) payment, while there is also a €1m (£844,791) bonus for any win – as seen on UEFA’s official website.
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Nevertheless, that is more something for the FA to think about – no England fan will be worrying about prize money with a first ever European Championship success within touching distance.