England's 0-0 draw with the USA on Monday night now means there is just one round of fixtures left in Group B, with Wales on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline against Iran earlier on in the day.
As a result, the stage is set for a dramatic final round of games on Tuesday, November 29 where the two home nations meet both desperately needing a win. An England victory over Wales would be one of the more straightforward results when trying to keep tabs on this tight, hard-fought group.
If Gareth Southgate's men are to beat Wales, it means the top and bottom positions would stay as they currently are with England progressing as group winners while Rob Page's side are eliminated without a win and bottom of the pile.
In turn, that would leave the USA and Iran to battle it out for the status of Group B runners-up and earn a place in the last 16. The Americans are currently on two points and sit third, while Iran are second with three points following their win against Wales on Friday morning.
Should England draw with Wales, the only way they could be realistically topped is if Iran beat the USA and finish the group on six points. An England-Wales draw mixed with a USA victory against Iran, however, could still see the Americans finish top if they win by a handsome margin.
A shock Wales victory would send shockwaves through the group however, as it means Gareth Bale and co. would have four points on the board - the same amount as England. However, they would have to hammer the Three Lions by four goals to leapfrog Southgate's side.
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Iran beating the USA alongside a handsome Wales win could see those two progress on six and four points respectively.
Simplified: The USA almost certainly need to get all three points against Iran on Tuesday to progress. Anything less is likely to see Iran go through, most likely as runners-up given England are huge favourites against Wales.
Anything other than a win for Wales ends their tournament at the group stage.
It is a testament to the quality of all four teams in the group that the last batch of fixtures sees every team in Group B still able to progress from the group on the final day.
What England need from final game:
- If England win, they will finish top of Group B
- If England draw, they will finish top of Group B unless Iran win or United States win by five or more goals
- If England lose and Iran or United States win, England will finish second in Group B
- If England lose by four or more goals and Iran or the United States win, England will be knocked out
What Wales need from final game:
- If Wales lose or draw vs England, they will be knocked out.
- If Wales beat England and Iran and the USA draw, Wales will progress.
- If Iran or United States win, Wales must beat England by four or more goals to finish second.
