With the World Cup in Qatar this month now edging closer and closer, Gareth Southgate will hope to lead England that one step further over in the Middle East.
The first World Cup of its kind to be held in the winter, the Three Lions are in poor form leading up to the tournament, having most recently been relegated from their UEFA Nations League group just months ago.
Now, with full focus swiftly turning to football's biggest tournament, many will hope an early marker can be put down against Iran in the sides opening game. Southgate is also set to name his full 26-man this Thursday, ahead of the weekend's deadline, with some key decisions still yet to be ironed out.
READ MORE: What time is the England World Cup squad announced on Thursday?
When are England's group games?
The Three Lions group stage schedule is as follows...
England vs Iran (13:00 GMT) Monday 21 November
England vs USA (19:00 GMT) Friday 25 November
Wales vs England (19:00 GMT) Tuesday 29 November
What does England's potential run to the final look like?
If England win Group B, they will play the runners-up from Group A, which could be any of Qatar, Holland, Ecuador or Senegal. Doing so could set up a mouthwatering clash against France in the quarter-finals, with Belgium or Portugal the potential sides to come next in the semi-finals. That would then set up a showdown with Spain, Brazil or Germany in the final, but this is all hypothetical of course.
If England finishes as runner-up in Group B, then they would more than likely face Louis van Gaal's men in the round of 16. This would then result in a clash against either Argentina or EURO 2020 foes Denmark in the quarter-finals. The semi-finals would then perhaps present much tougher challengers, in the likes of Germany, Spain or Brazil, with either France, Belgium or Portugal in the final. This again is all hearsay, with plenty of shocks lined up no doubt along the way.
What are the latest injury updates?
If reports are correct, full-back Reece James is to have said to have contacted Southgate himself about including him in his final 26-man squad this week. The 22-year-old has struggled with knee problems over recent weeks, with it now looking increasingly likely that Ben Chilwell will miss out following his latest setback.
Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips are both doubts too along the way, with the chance for Trent Alexander-Arnold to be included looking more and more likely by the day. In midfield, James Maddison's recent form means the former Middlesbrough boss will be left scratching his head as to who to include in the attacking areas.
READ NEXT:
World Cup 2022 ultimate guide: Schedule, fixtures, kick off-times and Qatar stadiums
England World Cup fixtures 2022: Dates, UK kick-off times and route to final
What World Cup 2022 means for the Premier League: Dates, schedule and concerns
Which stadiums will England play at during World Cup 2022 in Qatar?
When is the World Cup 2022 opening ceremony and what time does it start in the UK?
