England missed the chance to win their group after two games on Tuesday night with a goalless draw against Ghana.
And it means that Group L at the World Cup remains wide open, and the Three Lions may well end up finishing second.
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Thomas Tuchel’s side, who were disappointing as they failed to break down Ghana’s defence, are still currently top of the table.
However, they are on the same points as Ghana and sit just one point ahead of Croatia, with Panama already eliminated.
England take on Panama in their last group game on Saturday, live on eSPORTY, knowing they need to win to secure top spot.
Anything less than that – or if Ghana beat Croatia by two goals more than the Three Lions beat Panama – and it would see them drop down to second place, which would have a huge impact.
What happens if England finish second in Group L?
If England finish as runners-up in Group L at the World Cup, their route to the final and upcoming travel schedule would change.
Tuchel’s side’s expectation would have been that they would win the group, handing them a favourable Round of 32 clash.
As things stand, if they finish top, they’ll face Cape Verde on July 1 in Atlanta.
However, if they finish second, they will instead face Portugal in Toronto in a much tougher task on July 3.
Then, if they make it through to the last 16 as group winners, they’d take on Mexico in Mexico City as things stand at 1am on July 6.
But again, if they finish second, things get a lot harder, as the Three Lions could play European champions Spain in Arlington on July 6.
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England’s routes to the final
If England win Group L
- Round of 32 – Cape Verde
- Round of 16 – Mexico
- Quarter-finals – Brazil
- Semi-finals – Argentina
- Final – Spain
If England finish second in Group L
- Round of 32 – Portugal
- Round of 16 – Spain
- Quarter-finals – USA
- Semi-finals – France
- Final – Argentina
When it comes to the quarter-finals, if England win their group, they may end up coming up against Brazil in Miami on July 11.
But if they finish second in their group, that opponent could switch to co-hosts USA in Los Angeles on July 10.
Then, at the semi-final stage, should the Three Lions win their group and make it all the way though, they could play Argentina.
That game would take place on July 15 in Atlanta, but if they finish as runners-up, it’d potentially mean France on July 14 in Arlington.
And they are sure to face a giant if they reach the final on July 19.
So, the meeting with Panama is crucial for England as they won’t want to have their expected route and travel switched.
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