England have learned their FIFA World Cup group stage opponents after the draw took place in the Qatari capital Doha on Friday.
Having come so close to winning last summer’s EURO 2020 tournament on home soil, the Three Lions are among the favourites to take the trophy home in Qatar, alongside the likes of Brazil, Belgium, Germany, and reigning champions France.
Gareth Southgate’s side were drawn in Group B along with Iran, USA and the winner of the Uefa play-off route which contained Wales, Scotland and Ukraine, and the Welsh beat Ukraine in the final in Cardiff.
Southgate will be relying on squad stalwarts including Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling to navigate the team through the first round as comfortably as possible. Then younger players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice and Phil Foden will also be looking to make an impact at the biggest tournament in world football for the first time in their careers.
Here is everything you need to know about England’s group stage opponents and their fixture schedule out in Qatar:
England’s fixture schedule
Times in UK (GMT)
Group B
England v Iran, 1pm, 21 November (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan).
United States v Wales, 7pm, 21 November (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan).
England v United States, 7pm, 25 November (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor).
Wales v Iran, 10am, 25 November (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan).
Wales v England, 7pm, 29 November (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan).
Iran v United States, 7pm, 29 November (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha).
If England win Group B:
Last-16
The runner-up from Group A, so likely Senegal (over Qatar and Ecuador, with Netherlands favoured to finish top), especially as African champions.
Quarters
The winner of the tie between the winner of Group D and the runner-up of Group C: Likely France, should they top their group - ahead of Denmark, Tunisia and Australia/United Arab Emirates/Peru - and then beat one of Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.
Semis
The winners of Group F and Group H could find their way to the semi-finals to meet England should they get this far, which means a possible semi-final between England and Belgium or Portugal.
Final
A final after navigating their way through the knock-out stages as runner-up could eventually see England play Spain, Germany or Brazil in the final.
If England finish as runner-up in Group B:
Last-16
The winner from Group A, so likely the Netherlands (over Senegal, Qatar or Ecuador).
Quarters
The winner of the tie between the winner of Group C and the runners-up of Group D: Argentina could emerge to face England here, should they top their group as favourites - over Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland - and then eliminate one of Denmark, Peru/Australia/United Arab Emirates and Tunisia.
Semis
The winner of Group E and Group G could find their way to the semi-finals to meet England should they get this far, which means a possible semi-final between England and the winner of Spain/Germany and Brazil.
Final
A final after navigating their way through the knock-out stages as runner-up could eventually see England play France, Belgium or Portugal in the final.
