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England's route to the World Cup final at Russia 2018

By Peter Smith

Tuesday 12 June 2018 08:00, UK

Eric Dier of England celebrates as he scores their first goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Slovakia
Image: Who could England face on their way to a World Cup triumph?

With the World Cup getting underway on Thursday, England fans can start dreaming of their road to glory at Russia 2018. 

Gareth Southgate's men were drawn in Group G, alongside Belgium, Panama and Tunisia.

England's World Cup fixtures and dates

But who would they have to overcome to win the tournament outright? We map out their path to the final...

IF ENGLAND WIN GROUP G

Last-16 - July 2, Rostov-on-Don

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao has admitted trying to tell Peru players that a draw would be enough for them to reach the play-offs during Tuesday's game
Image: Colombia striker Radamel Falcao would be a last-16 opponent

If England win their group, they will be pitted against the runner-up from Group H. It's not easy to predict who that may be right now, but, according to the world rankings, COLOMBIA are the second best team in that pool, behind Poland but above Senegal and Japan.

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Quarter-final - July 6, Kazan

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Kyle Walker of England and Neymar Jr of Brazil battle for possession during the international friendly match between England
Image: Neymar and Brazil could be next up at the quarter-final stage

A win over Colombia would set up a last-eight clash against either the winner of Group E or the runner-up of Group F. BRAZIL will be hot favourites to win Group E ahead of Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia and they'll also be expected to beat Mexico, Sweden or South Korea - who are likely to finish behind Germany in Group F - in the last-16.

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Semi-final - July 10, St Petersburg

Raheem Sterling of England holds off pressure from Juan Mata of Spain during the international friendly match between England and Spain
Image: How would England fare against Spain?

If England were to see off Brazil we really will be getting excited! That would possibly mean a semi-final clash with SPAIN. France and Portugal are other possible opponents at this stage - as are England's Euro 2016 conquerors Iceland.

Final - July 15, Moscow

<enter caption here> during the International friendly match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on November 10, 2017 in London, England.
Image: England drew 0-0 with Germany in a friendly last year

Should England reach their first World Cup final in 52 years, Southgate's heroes may well come up against world number one GERMANY in a repeat of the 1966 tournament.

IF ENGLAND FINISH RUNNERS-UP IN GROUP G

Last-16 - July 3, Moscow

Poland's forward Robert Lewandowski shoots during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Armenia and Poland in Yerevan,
Image: Robert Lewandowski is Poland's record goal scorer

If England finish second in Group G, they will face the winner of Group H which, according to world rankings, should be POLAND, although Colombia, Senegal and Japan are other potential opponents at this stage.

Quarter-final - July 7, Samara

<enter caption here> during the International friendly match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on November 10, 2017 in London, England.
Image: Will England come up against Germany's Mesut Ozil in Russia?

Success in that fixture would take England into the last eight, with potentially GERMANY - likely winners of Group F ahead of Mexico, Sweden and South Korea - lying in wait. They will most likely have had to beat Switzerland in the last-16.

Semi-final - July 11, Moscow

Cristiano Ronaldo has helped Portugal to their first major tournament title
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016

If England are able to find a way past the 2014 World Cup winners, Euro 2016 champions PORTUGAL would be next on the menu, if results were to go according to world rankings. Alternatively, Spain - if they beat Portugal to first in Group B - or Argentina, as winners of Group D, could be England's opponents, assuming Russia or Denmark don't spring a surprise in the knockout phase.

Final - July 15, Moscow

Brazil's Gabriel Jesus celebrates after scoring against Chile during their 2018 World Cup football qualifier match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 10, 201
Image: Brazil's Gabriel Jesus could be a World Cup final opponent for England

Make it this far and Southgate's side might have to beat BRAZIL in the final to get their hands on the trophy.

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