Who could England face in the World Cup knockout stages?

England have high hopes this World Cup
England have high hopes this World Cup / Visionhaus/GettyImages
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England ended up topping Group B with ease as seven points from their three games saw them through as winners.

A draw with the USA was sandwiched by opening and closing victories over Iran and Wales respectively.

Hopes are high for another deep run following successful 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 outings, but a number of nations stand between Gareth Southgate's side and the final in Lusail.


Harry Symeou hosts Scott Saunders and Toby Cudworth to look back on South Korea/Japan '02 as part of the 'Our World Cup' series. We take a trip down memory lane - join us!

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How did England qualify for the last 16?

England went to Qatar in horrible form, having not won a game since March earlier this year. An awful Nations League campaign ended in relegation and there were large concerns before the squad flew out to the Middle East.

However, a 6-2 thrashing of Iran showed the attacking weapons the Three Lions have at their disposal, though disappointment immediately followed when a below par performance resulted in a goalless draw with the USA.

They faced Wales in their final group game. Gareth Bale's side needed a big win to stand any chance of qualification, but Marcus Rashford's free kick and Phil Foden's tap in had England 2-0 shortly after half time. Rashford cut in and fired through Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward to wrap up the win in the 68th minute.


Who could England face in the World Cup knockout stages?

Who did England face in the last 16?

England put a stodgy start behind them against Senegal to emerge as 3-0 winners in the last 16 clash.

Jordan Henderson stroked in Jude Bellingham's cross before Harry Kane smashed in the second on the cusp of half time.

The contest was effectively over when Bukayo Saka made it three just before the hour mark.

Who will England face in the quarter finals?

A potential clash with world champions France had been touted long before the start of the 2022 World Cup and results so far have dictated that the pair meet in the quarter finals.

Les Bleus have looked back to their dominant best with Kylian Mbappe scoring goals for fun. They have, however, conceded a goal in each of their four games so far and lost with a changed XI to Tunisia.

Who could England face in the semi finals?

If the Three Lions can produce a seismic performance to eliminate the reigning champions, they would face the winner of the Portugal-Morocco quarter final.

Who could England face in the final?

Hold up. Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?

In all fairness, it's only natural. The Netherlands, Argentina, Croatia and Brazil are all on the opposite side of the draw to England, meaning they can only meet in the third place playoff or the final.

Obviously, if England lose to France, there will be no homecoming and hopes will have to be diverted to 2026.