Trio of big-hitters secure qualification for Euro 2024

France, Belgium and Portugal secured their places at Euro 2024 after victories on Friday.

The trio all needed to win their games to guarantee qualification and were inspired to achieve them by their star players.

Kylian Mbappe scored a brace as France beat the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

The PSG star notched either side of the break and his side held onto their lead despite Quilindschy Hartman pulling one back with seven minutes on the clock.

Didier Deschamps' side will now have the opportunity to be crowned kings of Europe for the first time since 2000.

The France boss said: "We qualified but it was never easy.

"To be able to do it with two games to go, even if there is room for improvement, I am very proud to see what this group has achieved."

Sevilla winger Dodi Lukebakio was the hero for Belgium as they booked their place in Germany with a 3-2 win over Austria.

The 26-year-old matched Mbappe's two-goal haul to put Domenico Tedesco's side in the clear before Romelu Lukaku added to their lead.

Austria responded with two late strikes of their own but it was not enough.

And Cristiano Ronaldo starred for Portugal as they also won 3-2 to bank their place at next summer's showpiece.

The Al-Nassr marksman struck in each half of an entertaining game against Slovakia that guarantees Roberto Martinez another shot at international silverware.

The draw for the event will be held on Saturday, December 2, with the 24 qualifiers drawn into six groups of four.

And all three latest confirmed entrants will be among the favourites to win the tournament that begins on Friday, June 14.

Germany will feature in the tournament opener in Munich and the final will be held in Berlin on Sunday, July 14.