Save These Dates: A Comprehensive England World Cup Schedule

55 years of hurt were very nearly put to bed in the summer of 2021, but another trophy-less year rolls on having fallen to the Italians on penalties.

It now befalls to this current England cohort, the majority of whom featured in that agonising Euro final defeat, to try and claim only a second ever international trophy in perhaps the most bizarre circumstances yet.

A winter World Cup, in the blazing heat of a tiny Gulf nation with a population similar in size to Paris, all the while having next to no break in between the domestic season cut-off.

It remains to be seen how this may favour, or restrict the Three Lions’ preparations, but when taking a look at the potential route towards the final in late December, there is no denying another favourable draw could see England reach the latter stages once more.

Group Stage

England’s Qatar campaign gets underway on the 21st November against Iran, who despite being the lowest on many people’s estimations, are the highest ranked Asian side and have lost just their previous 27.

Any ‘special relationship’ will go out the window in the next match-up with the USA, before  fellow Brits Wales await them in the third and final fixture; certainly one which they’ll want to avoid making a decider.

Round of 16

Assuming the Three Lions do indeed make it out the group, they will end up in one of two scenarios.

Being fourth-favourites across football betting sites you would expect them to finish as Group B winners. Should this be the case, they will be up against the runners-up in Group A; either the Netherlands, Senegal, Qatar or Ecuador.

• December 4th: England vs Group A Runners-up

Should they finish second, they will face the winners of Group A. If the Netherlands’ recent 15-game unbeaten record is any indication of their chances of topping the group, this could present a tricky test early on for Southgate’s side.

• December 3rd: England vs Group A Winners

Quarter-Finals

• December 10th: England vs Group D Winners / Group C Runners-up

• December 9th: England vs Group C Winners / Group D Runners-up

Semi-Finals

Another last four appearance would truly cement Southgate’s place amongst England’s greatest ever managers, but should they prevail in the quarter-final having topped the group, the likes of Belgium or Portugal could await.

• December 14th – England vs Group F Winners / Group H Winners

• December 13th – England vs Winners Group E / Winners of Group G

Final

They have reached the promised land. A first World Cup final in 56 years having toppled some of the tournament favourites, and now a date with destiny awaits.

Win the group and they may find themselves up against Spain, Germany or Brazil, or should the finish second in Group B the likes of Belgium, Portugal or France may be the only roadblock in the way of a world title.

• December 18th

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