England were drawn in a fairly favourable Group B at the 2022 World Cup draw in Doha on Friday.
Gareth Southgate’s side will play Iran, the USA and one of Scotland, Wales or Ukraine as they attempt to go one better than last summer, having reached the final of Euro 2020.
Certainly, England have struggled to navigate these kind of groups before but, frankly, that was a different time. This version of the Three Lions look perfectly suited to ensuring a safe passage into the knockouts.
Here’s a look at their potential path to glory.
Group stage
While conceding the fact that England have struggled with this kind of task in the past, none of the group stage opponents look overly taxing.
The only concern is the wildcard or sorts. The identity of the final opponent remains to be seen, although Ukraine offered little during the Euro 2020 quarter-final.
Scotland and Wales, meanwhile, will struggle to beat England.
Last-16
The most likely outcome into the knockouts would be a meeting with Senegal. In a group containing Qatar, the Netherlands and Ecuador, it does not seem unreasonable to imagine the African champions following the Dutch in second place.
While certainly a good tournament team, England will fancy their chances.
Quarter-final
Here’s where it gets interesting.
One would imagine France emerging victorious from Group D (also containing Peru/Australia/UAE), Tunisia and Denmark, setting up a meeting with the runner-up in Group C (Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Mexico).
Implosion at Euro 2020 aside, it’s difficult to look past France.
Semi-final
If England can stop France and move into the final four, they would most likely meet Belgium or Portugal, the top seeds in Groups F and H respectively.
Talented teams no doubt, but ones who have proven fragile in elite knockout competition.
Final
Spain, Germany or Brazil look like the most likely candidates, though clearly there could be some surprises along the way.
A final with Germany would be dripping with narrative, though Brazil’s proud World Cup history would make for a fascinating story too.
To win the biggest trophies, the best must be beaten.
