Uefa Euro 2016 Group E: How Italy, Belgium, Sweden and Republic of Ireland can qualify for last 16

Italy (Won 2)

With a stirring and unexpected victory over pre-tournament favourites Belgium already under their belts, previously unfancied Italy, who possess one of the most miserly defences around, sealed their place in the last 16 after Eder's impressive late strike saw off Sweden at the Stadium Municipal on Friday (17 June).

That dispatching of Belgium means the Azzurri's three-point lead over their closest rivals is unassailable and they are already guaranteed to go through as group winners, regardless of how they fare against the Republic of Ireland in Lille on Wednesday night (22 June). Antonio Conte's side will definitely visit the Stade de France next Monday (27 June), where they are scheduled meet the runners-up from Group D. Such a fixture will pit them against either Croatia, reigning champions Spain or possibly even the Czech Republic.

Belgium (Won 1, Lost 1)

Belgium's Golden Generation did not quite live up to considerable expectations at the 2014 World Cup and were strongly criticised in the aftermath of their listless loss to Italy in Lyon.

While they boast plenty of individual talent, their ability to thrive as a team under Marc Wilmots was called into question prior to a thoroughly dominant victory over the Republic of Ireland courtesy of Romelu Lukaku's brace and an Axel Witsel header.

The Red Devils cannot overhaul leaders Italy on matchday three, but will retain second place with a point against Sweden in Nice. They will slip to third if they lose to Sweden and would sink to the very bottom of the group if that result was coupled with a win for the Irish against Italy. They would finish third if they lost to Sweden and Italy either drew or beat the Republic of Ireland.

Sweden (Drawn 1, Lost 1)

Despite the presence of talismanic striker and captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, sorry Sweden have yet to register a single shot on target in 180 minutes of tournament football so far. Only an unfortunate Ciaran Clark own goal saved a point against the Republic of Ireland and they barely threatened during defeat to Italy.

To finish in the top three and potentially prolong outgoing head coach Erik Hamren's departure a little longer, Sweden need to beat Belgium. If they do manage that unlikely feat and the Republic of Ireland overcome Italy, then the draw between those two sides means final position will come down to goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary ranking and, finally, Uefa coefficient. They are 20 places higher than their rivals in that latter regard. A draw and two points could technically see them through, but that seems extremely unlikely at this stage.

Republic of Ireland (Drawn 1, Lost 1)

Martin O'Neill's men impressed for the most part during their opener against Sweden, but were left ruing their luck after that Clark error. Belgium's meek performance against Italy gave rise to hope that they could take a point in Bordeaux, but ultimately they were very pedestrian and thoroughly outclassed by a vastly superior outfit.

Bottom of the group with one point, the Boys in Green must beat Italy to have a chance of progression. Their paltry goal difference means a draw would not be enough to qualify as one of the four best third-place teams. To finish second, they need to topple Italy and hope that Sweden defeat Belgium, but do not overtake them on that aforementioned criteria.