England's World Cup Knockout Path After Ghana Draw: DR Congo Next

England remain on course for top spot in their World Cup group despite being held to a goalless draw by Ghana. The point leaves Thomas Tuchel's side at the summit of Group L with one game remaining against DR Congo, and they remain in control of their own destiny heading into the final round of fixtures.

Current Standings and Next Match

With the knockout bracket beginning to take shape, England's likely route through the tournament is becoming clearer, though plenty can still change with most groups yet to complete their final matches. As things stand, finishing top of Group L would hand England a Round of 32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on July 1.

England and DR Congo are currently paired together in the bracket as the winner of England's section would face the third-placed team from Group K. DR Congo currently occupy that position, though Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan are all still in contention ahead of the final group games.

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Projected Knockout Route

Should England come through that encounter, they would then advance to a last-16 clash on July 6 against either Mexico or Cape Verde, who are currently lined up in another Round of 32 tie on the same side of the draw.

If results continue to fall their way, a quarter-final on July 11 could bring a showdown with one of Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway. Beyond that, England's route to the semi-finals would be on Wednesday, July 15, and could include Belgium, Portugal, Argentina, Uruguay and others, depending on how those sections of the draw unfold.

The final will take place on Sunday, July 19, with the sides from the other half of the draw then coming into contention, such as France, Spain, Colombia and Germany.

Current Projected Path for England as Group L Winners

Round of 32 (July 1): England vs DR Congo
Last 16 (July 6): England/DR Congo vs Mexico/Cape Verde
Quarter-final (July 11): Potentially Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway
Semi-final (July 15): One of the remaining teams from that side of the draw
Final (July 19): Teams such as France, Spain, Netherlands, Colombia and Germany enter the equation

Remaining Group Game

Of course, there is still one final group game to play and the picture could shift before the knockout rounds begin. England know victory over DR Congo would guarantee they finish top of the group and avoid any last-day complications.

For now, though, the draw with Ghana has done little damage to their hopes and the Three Lions remain firmly on course for a knockout route which, on paper at least, looks more favourable than some of the alternatives elsewhere in the bracket.

The upper half of the draw currently contains Germany, France, Netherlands and Spain, meaning England could avoid all four nations until a potential final if they continue to win their matches and maintain first place in Group L.