England’s path to World Cup glory has already been mapped out – but the Three Lions must first navigate a tricky group in Qatar.
The Three Lions are in Group B and will kick of their campaign against Iran on Monday, November 21.
Getty
That will be the second game of the tournament with hosts Qatar kicking things off against Ecuador 24 hours earlier.
England’s second group game is against USA on Friday, November 25 before an all-British showdown against Wales on Tuesday, November 29.
Gareth Southgate named the 26 players he will take to the World Cup on Thursday and will now be desperately hoping they all avoid injuries in their final club games this weekend.
England World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton) Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Coady (Everton, on-loan from Wolves), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) Ben White (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea).
Forwards: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), James Maddison (Leicester City)
Should England progress from their group as they are expected to, they would play play Group A opposition in the round of 16.
This means they may face either Qatar, Netherlands, Senegal or Ecuador.
If England win Group B, they would face the Group A runners up on Sunday, December 4.
Then, if the Three Lions were to progress, a quarter-final against either the Group D winner or Group C runners up would come next.
Assessing the options, it is most likely that this would be France on Saturday, December 10.
Getty Images – Getty
If England were to then beat France and progress to the semi-finals, there are a number of top teams they could run into.
It would most likely be Belgium, Portugal, Germany or Spain on Wednesday, December 14.
And then, finally, if England were to win again, a World Cup final against Brazil or Argentina may well await on Sunday, December 18.
All in all, it’s a pretty straightforward route to football coming home!
Getty
Here are details of the fixtures (and potential fixtures) in full…
Group Stages
- England vs Iran: Monday, November 21 at 1pm UK time (4pm local time)
- England vs USA: Friday, November 25 at 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
- Wales vs England: Tuesday, November 29 at 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
If England finish 1st
- Round of 16 (potentially Ecuador or Senegal): Sunday, December 4 at 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
- Quarter-final (potentially France or Argentina): Saturday, December 10 at 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
- Semi-final (potentially Belgium, Germany, Portugal or Spain): Wednesday, December 14 at 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
Getty
If England finish 2nd
- Round of 16 (potentially Netherlands): Saturday, December 3 at 3pm UK time (6pm local time)
- Quarter-final (potentially Argentina or Denmark): Friday, December 9 at 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
- Semi-final (potentially Spain, Canada or Croatia): Tuesday, December 13 at 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
Final
- 3rd place play off: Saturday, December 17 at 3pm UK time (6pm local time)
- Final: Sunday, December 18 at 3pm UK time (6pm local time)
EVERY WORLD CUP FIXTURE, DATES AND TIMINGS LISTED FOR 2022 TOURNAMENT
Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT
At talkSPORT we are powered by fans, so come and join us for the ultimate World Cup fan experience this winter – at the talkSPORT Fan Zone.
In a huge indoor venue under the arches at Waterloo in London, we’ll bring you live screenings of every World Cup game.
There will be Q&As with talkSPORT talent, you’ll be part of our live broadcasts, and there will be plenty of food and drink on offer too.
Come and enjoy the best World Cup fan experience in London – and enjoy a pint on us – with tickets for England and Wales’ group stage games on sale now HERE!
