As the tournament in Qatar draws ever closer, optimism in each nation is on the rise. This is no truer than in England, where fans are praying for their first taste of World Cup glory since 1966. If the Three Lions are going to go all the way, here are some of the teams they may have to beat in the knockout stages.
France
France is likely to be the first team England faces in the knock-out stages, provided that both nations finish top of their groups. England takes on Iran, USA and Wales in Group B, while France will come up against Australia, Tunisia and Denmark – who will be no pushovers – in Group D. If both win their round of 16 games against the runners-up of Group A and C, respectively, France and England will meet in the quarters.
Given that both sides have decent World Cup odds to go on and win the tournament – 6/1 and 8/1, respectively – Les Blues will provide tough opposition for Gareth Southgate’s side. As a result, England World Cup betting predictions suggest a quarter-final exit is a second-most likely outcome for the Three Lions, currently standing at 12/5.
Nevertheless, with in-form captain Harry Kane leading the way and a whole host of offensive talent, England will look to defeat a France side that will be defending their international crown.
⚽ Olivier Giroud: 49th goal
🎯 Antoine Griezmann: 25th assist#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/e9eni9aABE— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) September 22, 2022
Belgium
Should England progress beyond this stage, they will be left with two likely adversaries in the semi-finals. The first of these is Belgium, who kick off their campaign in Group F alongside Canada, Morocco and Croatia. Winning that group would award them a stern test against either Spain or Germany in the round of 16, followed by a likely quarter-final match-up against Portugal.
Last time around, Roberto Martinez’s side reached their ceiling in the semi-final stages of the competition, losing to eventual champions France 1-0. 2018 was the Red Devils’ joint-best finish at a World Cup, alongside 1986, meaning they would make history with a semi-final win over Southgate’s side.
While the majority of their players from 2018 remain, their experience and determination at playing in perhaps their last-ever World Cup will likely provide England with their sternest test in the competition. After all, they aren’t considered Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ for nothing.
That’s five national team goals for Tieleman5️⃣ #NationsLeague #WALBEL #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/Sgs7qdTEus
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 11, 2022
Portugal
If England avoids Belgium in the semis, it could well be because they were defeated by Portugal a stage earlier. Fernando Santos’ side takes on Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H, followed by a likely round-of-16 opponent in either Switzerland or Serbia if they finish as group winners. While captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent TV outburst will be an unwelcome distraction, Portugal cannot be underestimated in Qatar.
Not least because the two nations are familiar with playing each other in major international tournaments. In the 21st century alone, England and Portugal faced up in the 2004 Euros and 2006 World Cup, with both matches ending in draws (2-2 and 0-0, respectively) and were therefore resolved by penalties. England fans won’t be surprised to know that both outcomes ended in defeat in the shoot-out, which is why Southgate will want his side to finish the match in 90 minutes if they get the opportunity.
✨👤✨ @Cristiano #VesteABandeira #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/dQPpmmxKEY
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 14, 2022
Naturally, these eventualities rely on the kind of predictability a major international tournament simply does not provide, and it is just as likely that any one of these sides could crash out early in the competition. England themselves are no exception, which is why Southgate will want his players focused when they get underway against Iran.
