When the knockout round begins, it's win or go home

THE Euro 2016 tournament in France reaches a critical juncture this week. It's time for 16 of the 24 teams to move on to the knockout round, while the other eight have to pack their bags and bid adieu.

Some early birds have already guaranteed their passage to the knockout round that begins on Saturday night. The hosts France, along with fellow favourites Spain and Italy, are all through, having secured a maximum six points from their first two matches.

The likes of England, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary and Poland - all with four points from two games - are virtually certain to qualify as well, and just a point in their final group fixture should suffice.