Firstly, they are placed in Group G, alongside Belgium (currently at the height of their ‘Golden Generation’), Panama and Tunisia. England open against Tunisia on the 18th of June, with the game against Panama six days later, meaning that the last game against Belgium is likely to be pivotal in securing top spot in their group.
After their expected progression to the knockout rounds, they’ll face one of Poland, Senegal, Colombia or Japan in arguably the most interesting group in the tournament as there’s four teams from four continents who are fairly balanced in terms of individual ability. England, however, should be considered favourites whoever they are against, although it will only be slight favourites in every instance.
The quarter-finals is where a lot of pundits and fans alike feel England will face real troubles, as they’re expected to face Germany or Brazil, who are joint favourites to return home holding the World Cup. England are capable of beating these teams, and have drawn against both teams as recently as 2017.
Should England progress to the semi-finals, then one of France, Argentina, Spain or Portugal will await them. All of these teams are ahead of England in the FIFA World Rankings, with the Three Lions lying in 13th and with France, Argentina, Spain and Portugal lying in 7th, 5th, 8th and 4th respectively.
If they reach the final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, they could face anyone. As Germany, Brazil, France and Spain are the bookies’ favourites to win the World Cup, it’s likely to be one of those four.
Although England are expected to reach the quarter-final, fans should not give up home, even the cynics are doubters. After all, an English team have reached the final of a competition when they were expected to reach the quarter finals… he turned “doubters into believers”.
