England could face nightmare route to later stages of World Cup after 0-0 draw with Ghana
Following the Three Lions draw with Ghana on Tuesday (23 June) evening, fans are looking to England's future fixtures.
It all depends on where Thomas Tuchel's side finish in Group L - so tonight's result from the game at the Boston Stadium was an important factor in their bid to bag a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.
After last week's win over Croatia, all the lads had to do was beat the African side to advance to the last 32.
However, the game ended without any goals from either side.
Advert
England fans would have been hoping for a win over Ghana, but fear not folks, as all is not lost yet.
Tuchel's squad could still top the group if they get a win against Panama on Saturday (27 June). Croatia would then need to beat Panama and take a point from Ghana.
If two or more teams end on four points it will go down to goal difference, and then goals scored, or head-to-head if they still can't be separated,
England are still set to go through and their four goals against Croatia put them in a strong position for a first or second place finish.
So, let's take a look at what England's 2026 World Cup journey could look like from here on out.
Finishing first in Group L
Coming out on top of Group L will result in England playing their first knockout game in Atlanta next Wednesday (1 July) - but who will they go up against?
Well, the Three Lions would then take on one of the eight teams who have qualified for this next level of the World Cup in third place from from groups E,H,I, J or K.
According to the tournament's official regulations, the 12 teams who finish first and second in their groups, as well as 'the eight best teams among those finishing third among those', will make it into the final 32.
Although England's first future opponent currently remains unclear, Cape Verde could be a contender.
Amid the African team's draws with both Spain and Uruguay, which came as a surprise to football fans, Cape Verde is currently the highest-placed third place team among the aforementioned groups.
However, Cape Verde could instead face Mexico next Wednesday, depending on how things pan out. There's a lot of ifs, buts and maybes at play here, lads.
If England top Group L, they will face a third-placed team from Groups E, H, I, J or K in the Round of 32.
As things stand, that could mean a clash with DR Congo, Cape Verde, Ecuador, Senegal or Jordan, depending on how the final group matches play out.
Should England progress, a potential last-16 meeting with Mexico remains on the cards. Beyond that France are likely to be in the same half of the draw.
Finishing second in Group L
If England fail to win against Panama and results go against them elsewhere - it is likely that England could finish second in Group L, which would alter the course of the World Cup for the team.
Their next game would instead take place next Friday (3 July) in Toronto.
In this case, their first knockout match would be against the runners up of Group K - meaning clashes against Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia are all potentially on the cards.
This would also mean that if England make the final 16, they could face a tough game against Spain if they top Group H and win their first knockout game.
From there, the road to the final for the Three Lions could see them face France in the semi-finals - but of course there is a lot of football still to play.
Olivia Burke