England will be confident of progressing into the knockout stages at Euro 2024, having been handed what on paper appears to be a kind draw.
The Three Lions are favourites to go all the way in Germany this summer and secure their first major trophy since 1966, and there is every reason to expect Gareth Southgate’s side can make a confident start to that bid.
Serbia are competing in the European Championship for the first time as an independent nation, having failed to make it out of their group at the last two World Cups, while Slovenia must defy the odds if they are to reach the knockout stages.
However, they did finish level on points in qualifying with Denmark, who won this tournament in 1992 and reached the semi-finals three years ago, and could once again find a way to make a run on the big stage.
Dom Smith assesses Group C below...
Slovenia
For the first time since 2000 and only the second time in their history, Slovenia will compete at the European Championship.
They were one of the last sides to book their place in Germany, but did so by losing just twice in qualifying.
Manager: Matjaz Kek
Won a solitary cap for Slovenia back in 1992. Managed Slovenia between 2007 and 2011. Back for more since 2018.
Star player: Benjamin Sesko
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has just signed a new contract after interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
One to watch: Adam Gnezda Cerin
The Panathinaikos midfielder created 23 chances in qualifying, more than any other Slovenian.
Chances of winning it in three words: Bookies saying 200/1…
Denmark
Semi-finalists last time out when they lost narrowly to England in extra-time, less is expected of Denmark this time - but they like it that way. They head into the tournament having lost just one of their last 12 games.
Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has scored the opening goal in each of their last three matches.
Manager: Kasper Hjulmand
Has managed to get the best out of Denmark since taking the job in 2020. Urged Gareth Southgate to stay on in the England job after Qatar 2022.
Star player: Joachim Andersen
hristian Eriksen, Simon Kjaer and Kasper Schmeichel remain, but all are getting on. The Crystal Palace centre-back will be vital to the Danes.
One to watch: Morten Hjulmand
Not related to the coach. Has been sensational for Sporting CP this term and has become a key player in midfield.
Chances of winning it in three words: Low but possible.
Serbia
A look at their squad will offer up plenty of familiar names, but there is a feeling Serbia are perhaps patchier in form and more inconsistent than they ought to be.
One of the more experienced squads at the tournament, with 14 of their 26 having 30 caps or more. Face England first.
Manager: Dragan Stojkovic
One of the great Yugoslav players, he has been Serbia manager since 2021.
Star player: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Their all-time leading goalscorer will carry their goal threat in Germany. Stopped banging in goals for Fulham last August… so he could bang in goals for more money in Saudi Arabia instead.
One to watch: Andrija Zivkovic
The PAOK winger has only one goal from 46 caps but is a key threat down the right and can expect plenty of minutes this summer.
Chances of winning it in three words: Keep your money.
England
Put up your St George's flags and stop the count on 58 years of hurt.
Many see this as being England's best chance of winning silverware since the 1966 World Cup, and the attacking quality Gareth Southgate is able to call on certainly backs that up.
Manager: Gareth Southgate
Has clearly brought England out of the dark ages, but this summer feels like now or never for him to finally get over the line.
Star player: Jude Bellingham
For years Harry Kane has carried the burden as the unquestioned talisman. Now, though, it's the Real Madrid 20-year-old, who took La Liga by storm last term.
One to watch: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Looks like being Southgate's solution for who to play next to Declan Rice. Stupidly good passing range, but can he fulfil the full role of central midfielder?
Chances of winning it in three words: Many people's favourites.
