England's dream path to World Cup glory has been mapped out after their half of the draw opened up magnificently. A blockbuster quarter-final showdown with Brazil had been anticipated for months, but Norway produced one of the tournament's most stunning upsets, knocking out Carlo Ancelotti's Seleção to secure a last-eight meeting with England. For the first time since 2018, a place in the World Cup final feels genuinely within England's reach. Thomas Tuchel's side may still be three victories away from footballing immortality, but the route to glory has seldom appeared this favourable.
How England's Path Opened Up
After fighting back from the brink against Mexico in the altitude-charged atmosphere of the Estadio Azteca, the Three Lions were handed a golden opportunity. The other traditional powerhouse on England's side of the draw, Argentina, have scarcely looked convincing of late either. The reigning champions required extra time to squeeze past unfancied Cape Verde in the last 32 before depending on a late three-goal flurry to dispatch Egypt in the last 16. Suddenly, the possibility of a favourable run is very real. If England can get past Norway, the path to the biggest prize in world football appears considerably less intimidating than many dared imagine before the tournament kicked off.
Semi-final: England vs Switzerland
Despite Argentina's recent wobbles, a semi-final showdown with Switzerland would undoubtedly represent a favourable draw. Murat Yakin's side topped Group B, with the undisputed highlight of their campaign a crushing 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Matchday Two, yet they have not been truly tested by one of the competition's heavyweights. They comfortably disposed of Algeria 2-0 in the last 32 before requiring a penalty shootout to edge past Colombia in the last 16 - and would be considered heavy underdogs against Argentina. Switzerland are experienced knockout-stage operators, yet they have never advanced beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament. England also boast recent form in their favour, having defeated the Swiss on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Although the Three Lions required a late equaliser to force extra time on that occasion, it came during a tournament in which they faced widespread criticism for falling below expectations - suggesting Tuchel's men would have every cause for confidence should the two sides meet once more.
Final: England vs Belgium
On paper, England's ideal final opponent would be Belgium - though this also represents the most unlikely element of the scenario. While the Three Lions have arguably been handed the more manageable half of the draw, Belgium must negotiate what appears to be the tournament's most treacherous path simply to reach New York. Rudi Garcia's side must first navigate past European champions Spain in the quarter-finals, before what would likely be a semi-final clash with France, who are favourites to dispatch Morocco. Overcoming two of the globe's most formidable nations in successive knockout matches would demand an extraordinary performance, even from a Belgium squad brimming with talent. Should they somehow pull it off, England would undoubtedly back themselves. Belgium have shown flashes of brilliance, yet they remain opponents the Three Lions would be confident of competing against effectively. For Tuchel's men, it would represent the most favourable possible World Cup final - and the perfect opportunity to end 60 years of hurt on football's biggest stage.
