Alan Shearer thinks Gareth Southgate will be pleased with England's World Cup group after being drawn against Iran, USA and Scotland, Wales or Ukraine. The latter of the three are still to play their World Cup play-offs with Scotland's tie with Ukraine postponed due to the Russian invasion.
England are one of the favourites to lift the trophy after impressive outings in the 2018 World Cup and European Championship last year. Group B is one of the kinder groups, with England avoiding the likes of Germany and the Netherlands.
The Three Lions will open the World Cup against Iran on November 21, before playing USA on November 25 and rounding off the group against Scotland, Wales or Ukraine on November 29.
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Speaking on BBC, Shearer said: "Yeah, absolutely, Gareth [Southgate] will look at that and think it could have been a lot more difficult than it's come out. He'll be happy with that and I'm sure his players will be.
"That's the one thing about not having a group of death, it's pretty much open. I have to say I'm pleased that Scotland, Wales or Ukraine got put in England's group. It just adds that little bit more excitement.
"When you look at Iran and USA, you think 'ok England.' If it's Scotland or Wales, that makes it that bit tougher."
England have avoided some of the tournament's favourites with the likes of Germany and the Netherlands classed as second seeds in the competition. When asked whether he thought the Three Lions would like to test themselves in the group, Shearer said: "I don't think it matters to be honest.
"I think you take what's given and you look forward to it. The England players will be full of confidence going into the tournament after what's happened in the last two, with the genuine, genuine belief that they can do something in this World Cup."
The United States will be one of the underdogs to qualify from Group B with the likes of Giovanni Reyna among their upcoming talent. Nonetheless, Shearer does not think England have anything to be afraid of, he said: "You mention the young talent [of USA] and we mentioned it at the top of the programme.
"The young talent that our country, England now have and are producing, Bellingham, Mount and Foden, Saka, Rice who is getting better and better. We have some serious talent in our squad now.
"I think it comes with a different kind of pressure. Certainly with a lot of the Euro's being played here, I didn't think that affected England at all and I think they enjoyed it.
