ENGLAND are facing a nightmare tie in the last 16 of the World Cup after their shocking performance against USA.
Having thumped Iran 6-2 in their tournament opener, Three Lions fans were in buoyant mood ahead of Friday night’s clash.
But after a dreadful 0-0 draw against the USA, England are now most-likely to face HOLLAND in the first knockout stage.
Gareth Southgate’s men may only need a draw against Wales if they are to secure top spot in Group B.
A 4-0 loss – however unlikely – would likely see them crash OUT of the tournament.
A win would guarantee top spot, but failing to do so would almost-certainly see them face Louis van Gaal’s Dutch giants in the last 16.
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Holland are currently top of Group A, level on points with Ecuador following their 1-1 draw earlier on Friday, but have only Qatar to play.
Qatar have lost both of their opening fixtures and are officially the WORST host nation in the World Cup’s 92-year history.
Meanwhile, Ecuador face a tricky clash with Senegal as they aim to steal top spot from the Netherlands.
In their most-recent game against Holland, England famously lost 3-1 in their 2018-19 Nations League semi-final.
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Ex-Manchester United boss Van Gaal guided his side to a late 2-0 win over Senegal in their tournament opener before Cody Gakpo’s early strike was cancelled out by Enner Valencia against Ecuador.
However, they are overwhelming favourites to top Group A.
Should England fail to grab top spot and reach the last 16 in second, they will play Holland.
Of course, there’s still the possibility the Three Lions win the group and still face the Dutch, should they slip to second.
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Indeed, with Qatar out of the running, England could still play Holland, Ecuador or Senegal.
First thing’s first, though… Southgate and Co must get past Wales.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
