England will have to overcome the world's best teams if they are to end 60 years of hurt by winning the World Cup this summer. The expanded 48-team tournament offers opportunities for smaller nations, but major powers—except Italy—will all believe they can triumph across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Group Stage Opponents
England face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. A favourable first knockout game is hoped for, but a host nation could await in the last 16, with the path only getting tougher. Standard Sport has analysed the fixture bracket to assess how Thomas Tuchel's men could reach the final as group winners, runners-up, or third-placed team.
Possible Routes as Group L Winners
Round of 32
If England win Group L, they face a third-placed team from Groups E, H, I, J, or K in Atlanta on July 1. Likely opponents include Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Norway, Algeria, Austria, Colombia, or DR Congo.
Round of 16
A win sets up a match against Group A winners or a third-placed team from Groups C/E/F/H/I in Mexico City on July 6. Mexico are favourites to top Group A, which also includes South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.
Quarter-finals
In Miami on July 11, England could face Brazil, who are expected to win Group C and overcome Japan or Sweden. Brazil would then meet the winner of Group E/I runners-up clash.
Semi-finals
On July 15 in Atlanta, England's strongest possible opponent is Argentina (Group J) or Portugal (Group K), but other contenders include Canada, Switzerland, USA, Egypt, or Uruguay.
Final
On July 19 in East Rutherford, Spain or France are the likeliest opponents if England win Group L.
Possible Routes as Group L Runners-Up
Round of 32
Finishing second sends England to Toronto on July 2 to face Group K runners-up, likely Colombia.
Round of 16
On July 6 in Dallas, England would meet Group H winners (likely Spain) or Group J runners-up (possibly Argentina).
Quarter-finals
On July 10 in Los Angeles, England could face Belgium, expected to win Group G, or Group D winners like the USA.
Semi-finals
On July 14 in Dallas, possible opponents include Germany, France, or the Netherlands.
Final
On July 19 in East Rutherford, Brazil or Argentina are the most likely opponents.
Possible Routes as Group L Third-Place Team
Round of 32
On July 4 in Kansas City, England would face Group K winners, likely Portugal.
Round of 16
On July 10 in Vancouver, England would meet Group B winners (Switzerland, Canada, etc.) or a third-placed team from Groups E/F/G/I/J.
Quarter-finals
On July 12 in Kansas City, England would face the winner of Group J winners vs Group H runners-up match, likely Argentina.
Semi-finals
On July 15 in Atlanta, Brazil are the likeliest opponent.
Final
On July 19 in East Rutherford, Spain or France would await.
England's journey depends on group stage performance, but regardless, they must beat the best to claim glory.
