England’s route to the World Cup final: Who do Three Lions play if they beat France?

Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be hoping to make it back-to-back finals in major international competitions - and this time go one step better and lift the trophy.

Four years ago the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as the upturn in international fortunes began under Southgate, before they went the distance to the final at Euro 2020. Now, in Qatar, the objective remains the same, to end the long wait since 1966 for success on the biggest stage.

Three matches in the group phase were safely negotiated as they topped Group B before Senegal were brushed aside 3-0 in the last 16. France are next up in the quarter-finals on Saturday as they are just three knock-out victories away from lifting the trophy on 18 December at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

England had navigated the European qualifiers with ease to reach Qatar, winning eight and drawing two to finish ahead of Poland, Albania, Hungary, Andorra and San Marino.

Here is the route England must now take to reach the World Cup final for the first time in over 50 years, and the sides they’ll face along the way.

Group B final standings

1. England 7 pts

2. USA 5 pts

3. Iran 3 pts

4. Wales 1 pt

As England won Group B:

Last-16

As winners of Group B, England faced the runner-up from Group A in Senegal in the last 16. After an awkward start, the Three Lions were excellent as they swept the champions of Africa aside. Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were on target in the 3-0 win.

Quarters

After beating Senegal, England will play France in the quarter-finals. The defending champions topped Group C as expected and defeated Poland 3-1 to reach the last-eight. England vs France will be on Saturday 10 December at 7pm GMT.

Semis

Morocco stunned Spain to reach the quarter-finals, and could become the first team from Africa to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup if they beat Portugal in the other semi-final.

If England make it through to the semi-finals, it will be at 7pm GMT on Wednesday 14 December.

Final

After reaching the final, England may have to play the kings of South America in order to win the World Cup. Brazil and Argentina are in line to meet in the semi-finals in what would be an epic clash in Lusail on Tuesday 13 December, though we’ve already had plenty of shocks and more could yet follow. The final is on Sunday 18 December at 3pm GMT.

Odds

Via Betfair

Brazil 2/1

France 4/1

Argentina 9/2

England 6/1

Portugal 6/1

Netherlands 11/1

Croatia 25/1

Morocco 35/1