England have discovered their opponents for next summer’s World Cup with the Three Lions taking on Croatia, Panama and Ghana in the group stage. Friday’s draw kickstarted preprations for the tournament in the United States, one that Thomas Tuchel’s men are favourites for.
Alongside discovering their groups for the prestigious tournament, England now also know their path to reach the final at the MetLife Stadium on July 19. The World Cup starts on June 11, with the Three Lions’ first game taking place on June 17 against Croatia.
England do know they won’t come up against any of the other top seeds – Argentina or Spain – until the semi final and France the final itself, if all four teams win their group.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s draw, the former Chelsea boss said: “Everyone knows that we cannot promise that we win it but they want to see a team, a team spirit, a team that gives everything and fights for each other.
“If the players bring that then I think anything is possible. We will be brave enough to dream about it, we will be brave enough to try it.
“I feel the change in expectation and a change in the feedback I get from fans and people who I meet because they like what they saw. Am I more confident now? Yes. Because we have got better. We have to arrive and try to make a special thing happen but we cannot guarantee it.”
Potential England schedule
Fixture dates are subject to final confirmation in second draw on 06/12
England Group L Matches
vs Croatia, Panama and Ghana
Croatia – June 17
Ghana – June 23
Panama – June 27
If England win the group
Round of 32 – July 1
Round of 16 – July 5
Quarters – July 11
Semi final – July 15
Final – July 19
If England finish second
Round of 32 – July 2
Round of 16 – July 6
Quarters – July 10
Semi final – July 14
Final – July 19