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Wednesday evening sees the conclusion of the closest group in Euro 2024 as Ukraine take on Belgium in Stuttgart and Slovakia face Romania.
Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium side recovered from a shock loss against Slovakia in their first match in time to beat Romania 2-0 last time out, and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and co. will be aware that they need another three points if they want to try and ensure first place in the group.
In their way stands a Ukraine team with similar fortunes – having been beaten in their opener by Romania, they recovered to beat Slovakia 2-1 in the next game. The two sides were the favourites to qualify from Group E, but a win for either of them may condemn them to third, or even fourth.
With all four teams in the group having won one game, Group E is perhaps the most intriguing group as we head into the final round of fixtures. Each team knows that a win guarantees them a place in the last 16, but one point is better than nothing, especially with the four best-performing third-placed teams qualifying too.
Can Belgium do it, or will they be condemned to the latest in a series of major tournament failures?
Follow the latest updates and reaction to Ukraine v Belgium below, as well as updates from the other Group E game as Slovakia face Romania:
What is the early team news?
Ukraine have nobody to worry about in terms of fitness or suspension, so it’s likely to be the same starting XI which saw them bounce back to beat Slovakia last time out. That means Anatolii Trubin should keep his place in goal and Artem Dovbyk will lead the line again.
Belgium do have a few absentees, but injury doubts Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier wouldn’t have been starting anyway. Dodi Lukebakio might have been a consideration on the flank but is suspended. Arthur Theate is the only other possible player to miss out with injury.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 14:35
How to watch Ukraine vs Belgium
The match kicks off at 5pm BST on 26 June at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 14:29
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Group E finale as all four teams have the potential to reach the knockout rounds and finish top of the group.
Romania currently hold top spot thanks to their opening win 3-0 victory over Ukraine. Belgium lost their opener to Slovakia but recovered with a 2-0 victory over Romania in matchday two. Ukraine then defeated Slovakia to leave all four teams with one win and one loss each from their two group games.
They are all positioned on three points apiece heading into this evening’s matches. Belgium take on Ukraine and Romania vs Slovakia with kick off at 5pm for both.
We’ll have all the build-up, permutations, team news and more so stick around.
Mike Jones26 June 2024 14:18