Thomas Tuchel is one day closer to deciding who England will face in the World Cup Round of 32 (Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
England secured at least one of the eight spots for third place, ensuring a place in the World Cup’s round of 32. Spain’s win over Uruguay ensured the Three Lions progress to the next stage, but Scotland’s already slim hopes of joining the Three Lions looked even further dim.
The approval was announced ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s side taking on Panama in their final group stage game on Saturday (10pm UK time). England sit top of Group L with four points thanks to their win over Croatia and goalless draw against Ghana, but first or second place is not guaranteed and their final group position will only be confirmed after the remaining two games are played.
To maintain their place at the top of the table, England must match Ghana’s result and keep the Black Stars within two goals of England vs. Panama. If Croatia win or draw, the Three Lions will need to repeat that result.
Panama lost both of their opening games, both by just one point. Apart from England’s thrilling six-goal opener, they have scored just two goals in the other three group games.
Tuchel’s side will be keen to rediscover their attacking power and settle the Ghana issue. However, Panama proved not to be an easy opponent.
Also, the opponent for the round of 32 will not be decided easily. Now Senegal is waiting for them. If England finish first in their group, they will play in Atlanta, and if they finish second, they will face Portugal in Toronto. They are guaranteed at least a trip to Kansas City, where they could potentially play Columbia.
England must first secure their place in Group L and then wait to decide who they will play. (Image: Getty)
England will know for sure once Saturday’s game is over, but the game will continue into the early hours of Sunday morning (BST). Several countries already know their opponents in the knockout stages. Co-hosts Canada will open their Round of 32 match against South Africa in Los Angeles.
Next up, Brazil will play against Japan, while fellow South American team Paraguay will have to play against Germany. As the Africa vs. Europe theme continued with a showdown between Ivory Coast and Norway, the Netherlands also advanced as Morocco stood in their way.
France vs. Sweden is currently the only confirmed clash between two teams from the same federation. Mexico, on the other hand, are likely to face familiar opposition given their Copa America track record, but if things go as planned they will face Ecuador.
Belgium are currently scheduled to play Belgium, but co-hosts the United States know that Bosnia and Herzegovina will be waiting for them. Austria vs. Spain could become another all-European clash if the former maintains second place.
Another game between Ghana and Portugal is scheduled, but there is no guarantee either team will contest that draw in Toronto. Australia will play Egypt for a place in the round of 16, while world champions Argentina will face Cape Verde.
After Friday night and Saturday morning games, all World Cup Round of 32 are tied. (Image: Reach)
World Cup round of 32 matches confirmed
South Africa vs. Canada – June 28 (8pm BST).
Brazil v Japan – June 29 (6pm BST).
Germany v Paraguay – 29 June (9.30pm UK time).
Netherlands vs Morocco – June 30 (2am BST).
Ivory Coast vs. Norway – June 30th (6pm UK time).
France v Sweden – June 30th (10pm UK time).
United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – July 2 (1am BST).
Australia v Egypt – July 3 (7pm UK time).
Argentina v Cape Verde – 3 July (11pm UK time).
World Cup round of 32 matches that could still change…
Mexico v Ecuador – July 1st (2am UK time).
England v Senegal – 1 July (5pm UK time).
Belgium vs South Korea – July 1st (9pm UK time).
Spain v Austria – 2nd July (8pm UK time).
Portugal v Ghana – 3 July (midnight UK time).
Switzerland v Iran – 3 July (4am UK time).
Colombia vs Croatia – 4th July (2.30am UK time).
