Harry Kane aims for World Cup glory as England captain (Image: Getty)
Round 32: England face Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on Tuesday 1 July (5pm BST). At the World Cup, they advanced through Group L with seven points, defeating Croatia and Panama and drawing with Ghana. Senegal were England’s expected opponents until the result was confirmed overnight against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Round of 16: If England advance by defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the next match in the knockout slot will be the winner of the Round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador. To add more spice, they could play Mexico in Mexico City.
Quarterfinals: A victory in the round of 16 guarantees a place in the quarterfinals. At that stage England’s opponents will be narrowed down to five-time champions Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast and Norway.
Semi-finals: If England make it to the last four, their opponents in the semi-finals will come from a wide side featuring Lionel Messi and reigning champions Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or group stage rivals Ghana.
Final: England sit opposite Spain and the reigning European champions, whom they defeated in the Euro 2024 final, will be their toughest opponent in the final. However, England could instead face France, Portugal, Netherlands or Germany on July 19 in New Jersey.
