Belgium were the last remaining team who had won their group despite not being a "host nation".
Czechia and Ukraine finished third in their group which means there are technically equal number of third placed teams to second placed teams left with Spain and Denmark still in.
Ukraine were ranked 24th in the world coming into this competition, Czechia ranked 40th. The four other nations are all in FIFA's top 10 with England highest ranked side left in the contest at 3rd - they still haven't played another side ranked in the top 10 in this year's tournament despite 7 (6 if excluding England) of the top 10 being UEFA.
Spain are the team most comparable to England having been a "host nation" and thus far avoided top 10 competition. If Spain make the final they'll have played in four different countries, if Italy do it will be three and if England do it will be just two.
If England and Denmark win then each of the semi-finalists will be a "host nation".
Can you tell that I think being a "host nation" has been a massive advantage?
Originally Posted by surge
Belgium were the last remaining team who had won their group despite not being a "host nation".
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