So England did what England always do and managed to mess up what seemed like a pretty good position.
After beating Wales 2-1 with a last-gasp winner, they were looking good with four points in hand and a game against Slovakia to close out the group. Five of the nine possible permutations of results would have led to them finishing top, taking them to Paris, near to their training base in Chantilly, for their second round match.
But, after making six changes to the side, including the potentially-crucial replacement of captain and record scorer Wayne Rooney with the ineffective Jack Wilshere, England could only struggle to a 0-0 draw. They still qualify, in second place behind a Wales side who recorded a brilliant 3-0 win against Russia, but their task is now that much harder.
So, who are they likely to face?
To paraphrase Coldplay, nobody said it was easy - but nobody said it would be this hard...
Second Round
It's now confirmed: after their sensational late winner against Austria, Iceland snatched second place in Group F from Portugal meaning they would face England, who are probably glad to have avoided another encounter with the winker himself, Cristiano Ronaldo.
So will England win the Cod War Part II? They really should, but the Icelanders have proved that they are no mugs, and could easily spring a surprise.
Where? Nice
When? Monday 27 June, 8pm
Quarter-final
If a possible Portugal second round game wasn't enough, in the quarters we potentially face the hosts, and one of the tournament favourites, France, who eased their way to the top of Group A with two late wins and a draw. They will play the Republic of Ireland in their second round game following Robbie Brady's dramatic late winner against Italy.
Worst case? France. No one wants to play the hosts - although look what happened when Germany played Brazil in the last World Cup...
Best case? Republic of Ireland would surely be an easier game - but would England be too confident going up against the wily Martin O'Neill?
Where? Paris
When? Sunday 3 July, 8pm
Semi-final
There's no getting around it: this is going to be difficult. There is every chance we're going to play either Germany, Italy or Spain in this round. Our tournament history against Germany is well known, beating us in the semi-finals of both Italia '90 and Euro '96 before crushing us 4-1 in the 2010 World Cup. However, England did win 1-0 in Euro 2000 and triumphed in the most recent friendly in March. Italy, meanwhile, beat us 2-1 in the 2014 World Cup group stage, and knocked us out on penalties in Roy Hodgson's first tournament in charge, Euro 2012. Spain's surprise defeat to Croatia means that they will play Italy in the second round, meaning they could be our semi-final opponent if they overcome Germany (assuming they beat Slovakia in the second round) in the quarters.
Worst case? Germany, obviously.
Best case? Italy or Spain, barring two shock wins by Slovakia. Perhaps Spain would be the lesser of two evils: the last time the two teams faced in a tournament, England triumphed, winning on penalties - if you can imagine such a thing - in the quarter-finals of Euro '96. A lot has changed since then, though...
Where? Marseille
When? Thursday 7 July, 8pm
Final
Following Spain's second place, the other half of the draw is now anyone's game. Poland, Croatia, Belgium and Wales will all be licking their lips at the possibility of a chance of making it all the way to the final. However, if England somehow make it through, they'll fancy their chances of taking home their first trophy in 50 years.
Worst case? Probably Croatia.
Best case? If we get this far, we'll be happy with anyone.
Where? Paris
When? Sunday 10 July, 8pm
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