If England win their group, they should face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32, with Senegal the likeliest opponent right now. Other possible opponents include DR Congo or, in a more outside scenario, Algeria.

What that means

  • Winning the group gives England a weaker-looking knockout path than finishing second.
  • The exact opponent depends on how the other groups finish.
  • Current reporting says the most likely tie is against Senegal, but the bracket can still shift.

Simple version

England win the group, and they likely play a third-placed team next — probably Senegal.

Would you like the full knockout path after that next round too?