England are hoping to bring football home over the next month as they travel to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. The Three Lions have not won a major trophy since 1966 but can build on the momentum of a couple of successful tournament campaigns under Gareth Southgate.
Iran are England’s first opponents, with USA and fellow home nation Wales making up Group B. Southgate’s side will hope to still be in Qatar on December 18 for the World Cup Final.
Express Sport takes you through all the key dates as England battle for World Cup glory. All kick-off times are GMT.
Group B
Iran (1pm, Monday, November 21)
USA (7pm, Friday, November 25)
Wales (7pm, Tuesday, November 29)
Monday’s clash with Iran is the earliest Harry Kane and co. will begin a match in Qatar. It is the second game of the tournament, coming the day after Qatar’s opener against Ecuador.
England then face USA, with whom they met in the groups in the ill-fated 2010 World Cup. Rob Green’s horrendous error allowed Clint Dempsey to cancel out Steven Gerrard’s goal in a 1-1 draw.
Southgate’s side might wish to have maximum points by the time they face Wales on November 29.
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Quarter-final
As Group B winners: 7pm, Saturday, December 10
As Group B runners-up: 7pm, Friday, December 9
If England win Group B and beat the runners-up in Group A, they will clash with either the winner of Group D or the runners-up of Group C. France, Argentina, Mexico, Denmark or Poland are among the likely opponents.
But if they finish as runners-up in Group B and win their last-16 tie, England will play their quarter-final a day earlier.
Semi-final
As Group B winners: 7pm, Wednesday, December 14
As Group B runners-up: 7pm, Tuesday, December 13
If England navigate their way to the semi-final as Group B winners, their opponents could be Belgium or Portugal – the likely winners of Group F and H, respectively. The match would take place on December 14.
Spain, Germany or Brazil await if the Three Lions progress to the final four as Group B runners-up, with the match taking place on December 13.
Third-place play-off
3pm, Saturday, December 17
Should England lose their semi-final, they will contest a third-place play-off against the other last-four loser.
Final
3pm, Sunday, December 18
However, should they progress to the final, they will compete for their first World Cup triumph since 1966. The final takes place just four days before domestic football returns with the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.