Ever the optimists, England fans are no doubt already plotting a route through the latter stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
After a semifinal appearance at Russia 2018 and a run to the final of the 2020 European Championships, Three Lions fans certainly have reason to believe they will, at the very least, get out of Group B at the tournament in Qatar.
So, if Gareth Southgate’s men deliver on those expectations, who could they face next ?
We’ve got you covered with the answers.
Who could England face in World Cup Round of 16?
Assuming they qualify from Group B, England’s opponents will vary depending on whether they progress from the pool as winners or in second place.
If England finish top of Group B
The winners of Group B are scheduled to take on the runners-up of Group A in the last 16.
Group A is made up of the Netherlands, Ecuador, Senegal and Qatar, though the latter have already been knocked out of their own tournament — only the second host nation ever to fall at the first hurdle after South Africa in 2010.
Any of the remaining three sides could ultimately finish second, and then meet England should they top their group.
If England finish second in Group B
Group B’s runners-up will also come up against an opponent from Group A, but they would face its winners instead.
The Netherlands currently occupy that top spot and, given their last fixture is against the already-out hosts, the Dutch are expected to top the group.
England possible Round of 16 fixtures
If England go through as group winners, they will contest their Round of 16 game on December 4 at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
Should England finish as runners-up, they will play on December 3 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
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