Gareth Southgate has some very exciting young players at his disposal — not least the likes of Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka — combined with a handful of experienced stars, who now possess significant tournament experience.
It’s now a question of whether they can get over the line.
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Following the draw, the Three Lions’ chances of progression at least beyond the first phase look good, having been handed what many will consider to be one of the easier pools.
England World Cup draw Group B
England fans will be happy with the draw in Group B, as they prepare to face Iran, the USA and either Scotland/Ukraine or Wales.
Scotland and Ukraine are still awaiting confirmation of when their postponed playoff fixture will take place, but Wales will be waiting for whoever comes through that.
Both British sides would love a chance to take down England and make their mark.
Iran offer a different test: they qualified as group winners in their Asian qualifying section, and are growing in stature year by year.
England start as strongly fancied to win Group B, but they will face tough tests against all three other countries. The battle for progression in this group could potentially go to the final matchday.
World Cup Group B table & fixtures
- = Winner of European playoff (Wales vs. Ukraine/Scotland)
Group B match schedule
MORE: How does the World Cup draw work?
England All-Time World Cup Groups
England World Cup snapshot
Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 5 (March 2022) World Cup titles: 1 World Cup appearances (last): 15 (Russia 2018) How qualified: UEFA Group I winners WCQ record W-L-D (Goals Scored/Allowed): 8-0-2 (39/3) Record 2022 W-L-D (Goals Scored/Allowed): 2-0-0 (5/1)
England FIFA World Cup 2022 preview
England’s squad boasts an enviable breadth of talent, with exciting youngsters alongside a host of established stars reaching their prime.
Star players include Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, but the youth can easily steal the show as Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, to name a few, have already demonstrated.
Star Players: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden Players to Watch: Jude Bellingham, Reece James, Jadon Sancho Players to play in WCQs: 34 Players in Top 5 Euro leagues (% of WCQ pool): 100%
MORE: Teams qualified to 2022 World Cup
England Squad
The unconventional November-December placement for the World Cup may work in favor of an England squad where the vast majority ply their trade in the Premier League — the full-on nature of the competition having been cited as a factor in fatigued players underperforming at major tournaments prior to the Southgate era.
This could be considered a golden age, with plenty of English fans disagreeing on their favored starting lineups.
Regular starting XI (formation: 4-3-3):
Pickford (GK) — James, Maguire, Stones, Chilwell — Rice, Phillips, Mount — Foden, Kane, Sterling
Strengths:
Strong starting XI Very well rounded squad with great depth Great depth of young talent
Weaknesses:
Not much depth at center back Lack of experience
Who is England’s head coach?
Former England player Gareth Southgate has been in charge since 2016 and has helped bring the team back into contention, following a lean period for the country.
Guiding the nation to a World Cup semi-final and Euros final, he’s had to overcome some criticism to win over hearts and minds. But there will be a sharper focus on his elite credentials this time around.
He has his sights set on going one step further in Qatar — can Southgate finally bring football “home”?
Manager: Gareth Southgate (England) Date hired: Sept. 27, 2021 Record as national team manager (W-L-D): 46-10-14 Major achievements since hire: World Cup 2018 Semi-Final, Euro 2021 Final Notable victories: 2-0 vs Sweden World Cup 2018, 2-1 vs Denmark Euro 2021 Semi-Final, 2-0 vs Germany Euro 2021
England’s World Cup qualifying results
England negotiated a fairly straightforward group, but came through any tough tests with flying colors.
England hit lowly San Marino for 10 in their final game, but also managed big wins over Andorra, Albania and Hungary. Captain Harry Kane bagged 12 total goals.
