There is always plenty of expectation ahead of major tournaments and although the excitement has been somewhat dampened due to some underwhelming performances in the Nations League, many fans are still expecting the Three Lions to make it through to the latter stages of the event.
Following a fourth place finish in Russia and an appearance in the Euro 2020 final, Gareth Southgate’s side are understandably priced up as one of the favourites. Their case has been greatly enhanced by a kind draw which has seen them placed alongside Iran, USA and neighbours Wales.
England will be expected to finish top of their section and that is likely to result in a round of 16 meeting with either Senegal or Ecuador. Things will start to become tougher in the quarter-finals, however, having not been particularly tested during their first four outings, Southgate’s men are likely to be fresher than their opponents.
Although England aren’t in vintage form, they should be able to reach the last eight with relative ease. A potential meeting with France awaits in the quarter finals (although don’t rule out Denmark finishing top of Group D) and although they have every chance of squeezing past an injury-hit Les Bleus, they could struggle to make it much further.
