Spain and Marc Cucurella had already guaranteed their spot in the round of 16 ahead of Monday night’s final Group B match with Albania.

But La Roja’s 1-0 victory and Italy’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Croatia meant the third-place teams in Group A and B finished this stage of the competition on three and two points respectively, meaning England and Blues’ duo Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer, plus Ian Maatsen’s Netherlands, are now guaranteed at least one of the four best third-placed qualification spots, with the Three Lions and Oranje already on four points ahead of their final games tomorrow night.

England know victory against Slovenia will guarantee them top spot, whilst a draw could also be enough if Denmark – who are on two points – don’t win or if their victory is by a single goal and goal difference then comes into play.

Netherlands also currently lead Group D on four points and will top their pool if they better France’s result.

Spain showed their strength in depth by making ten changes to their starting line-up having won their initial two group games, with Cucurella among those to drop out of the side.

Blues striker Armando Broja was also on the bench again, having lost his starting place following the opening game.

Spain completely dominated the first half and took the lead just before the quarter-of-an-hour mark when a sublime through-ball from Dani Olmo released Ferran Torres and the former Manchester City forward raced on to the pass to convert first-time with the help of the far post.

Luis de la Fuente’s side could have had several goals during the opening period and the outstanding Olmo would have grabbed one himself had it not been for a superb last-ditch block by Berat Djimsiti.

David Raya didn’t have a save to make during most of the first half but in the final minute, Albania fired a warning shot when Kristjan Asllani stung the palms of the Arsenal goalkeeper with a powerful long-range strike.

Joselu’s acrobatic volley just after half-time almost resulted in a stunning start to the second half but it went just wide.

Albania introduced Broja in the 59th minute as they chased the two goals needed to progress and the Slough-born striker made an immediate impact, as he tried to lob Raya from inside the penalty area.

Spain’s second-half display lacked the control and dominance they had shown in the opening 45 minutes as Albania ramped up the pressure.

Broja had a stab at goal saved during injury-time but it was a routine stop for Raya and La Roja progressed to the round of 16 with a maximum nine points, without conceding and having given all of their outfield players game time during their three games so far.