ENGLAND will face the USA, Iran and one of Scotland, Wales or Ukraine in the group-stage of the 2022 World Cup after a dream draw in Doha.
The Three Lions – among the top seeds for the Qatar tournament – were drawn in Group B.
England were drawn into Group B and will play USA, Iran and one of Scotland, Wales or UkraineCredit: Reuters
And Gareth Southgate’s biggest challenge early in the competition will arguably come from POT 4 – the winner of the European play-offs final.
Wales have already reached the final and will take on the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine, to be played in June – with England. forced to wait over two months to find out their final group-stage opponent.
The USA were drawn out of Pot 2, as the Three Lions avoided the likes of Germany, Holland and Uruguay.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Southgate’s men beat Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 and drew with Scotland in the group stage – and last faced Wales at a major tournament in their thrilling 2-1 group stage win at Euro 2016.
The draw does mean the Three Lions could come up against France or Argentina as early as the quarter-finals, but cannot face Brazil or Portugal until the final.
Should England top the group, they will play the second-placed team from Group A in the last 16 – one of Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal or Holland.
Then, the Three Lions are most-likely to face reigning champions France in the quarter-finals.
England would then likely face Argentina in the semis, with Brazil in the final – should they win all of their matches.
On the draw, Southgate refused to call it an “easy” group, with a diplomatic answer.
The boss told BBC Sport: “USA and Iran are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby.
“We’ve got to get out of the group. Our first objective is to get out of the group and then we build from there.
“In this situation all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.
“When you’re seeded you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams.
“Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get. There are some highly ranked teams in pot two.
“The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good players and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one.”
Gareth Southgate had every reason to smile as England drew a favourable groupCredit: Getty
But ex-Three Lions star Alan Shearer claimed: “Gareth will look at that and think it could have been a lot more difficult.
“I am sure he and his players will be happy with that.
“Southgate would have taken that – deep down, without a doubt.
“He just can’t come out and say it just in case. He’s too professional to say it. He’ll be more than happy with it.”
England captain Harry Kane tweeted his excitement at the draw, writing: “Always exciting to see who we get in the group! Playing on the opening day will be incredible as well.”
Elsewhere, Group E appears to be the “group of death” with Spain and Germany drawn together, alongside Japan and the winner of Costa Rica or New Zealand.
Other tasty ties include Ghana vs Uruguay in Group H – along with Portugal and South Korea – after Luis Suarez’s outrageous handball to KO the African nation at the 2010 World Cup.
Southgate and Co are looking to finally end 56 years of hurt having failed to win a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
There have been signs of life in recent years, with Southgate guiding his side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, losing to Croatia after extra-time.
The Three Lions went a step further at Euro 2020 just last summer, reaching the final – only to lose on penalties to Italy, who have failed to qualify for this winter’s tournament.
