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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

What England need to do to qualify for the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022 World Cup

England could only manage a disappointing 0-0 draw with the USA in their second World Cup group stage game in Qatar after thrashing Iran in their opening encounter.

Gareth Southgate's side were underwhelming on Friday night and remain winless in their three World Cup games against the Americans in the history of the tournament.

The goalless draw with Gregg Berhalter's men means that all four teams in Group B can still qualify for the Round of 16 in Qatar ahead of the final group matches on Tuesday, which will see England face off against Wales, while USA take on Iran.

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Southgate has come under criticism for not starting Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and Manchester City ace Phil Foden in either of England's opening two games, with Foden an unused substitute against the Americans. Despite this, the Three Lions still remain in a strong position and are expected to make it through to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Here is what England need to do to qualify for the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022.

What do England need to do to qualify?

England will secure their spot in the Round of 16 if they avoid defeat by four goals or more against Wales on Tuesday night. Southgate's men will also be guaranteed first place in the group if they beat the Welsh, or if they draw and Iran fail to win.

The Three Lions can also finish first if they lose by less than four goals and Iran and USA draw.

Man City attacker Jack Grealish celebrates after scoring for England against Iran. (2022 The FA)

Can England be knocked out?

Should England lose by four or more goals, and if either Iran or USA win, England will be out of the World Cup.

Who could England play in the Round of 16?

If the Three Lions progress to the knockout stages of the tournament - however that may be - they will play either the Netherlands or Senegal from Group A in the Round of 16.

Should England top the group, they will play the runners-up from Group A on Sunday, December 4 at 7pm, with the game taking place at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

However, a second-placed finish would see Southgate's side play the winners from Group A on Saturday, December 3 at 3pm. That match will be played the Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan.

Louis van Gaal's Netherlands finished top of Group A with seven points from their three games following their 2-0 win over already-eliminated hosts Qatar in their final group match.

Meanwhile Senegal earned a place in the next round with a 2-1 win over Ecuador on Tuesday, leap-frogging their opponents into second place and finishing the group stages on six points.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has played in both of England's first two World Cup matches. (2022 Jean Catuffe)

What happens if teams are level on points?

If two or more sides are level on points in a World Cup group, they will first be split by goal difference.

Should their goal difference be the same, then the deciding factor will be the number of goals scored, followed by the head-to-head record between the respective countries.

The next deciding factor is the FIFA Fair Play rule. Whoever accumulates the fewest indiscipline points wins (one point for a yellow card, three points for a red card shown for two yellows and four points for a direct red card, as well as five points for a player shown a direct red card while already on a yellow card).

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