If England are going to lift the World Cup trophy, they’ll have to earn every single inch of it. The draw has been kind in some places and brutal in others, and Gareth Southgate’s side will need to be at their absolute best when it matters most.
England came through their group with two wins and a draw, finishing top of Group C ahead of Senegal, the United States, and Iran. It wasn’t always pretty, but three points are three points, and the squad looks settled heading into the knockout rounds.
Standing between England and a semi-final place is France, the reigning world champions and arguably the most complete squad in the tournament. Kylian Mbappé has already scored four goals and is running at defenders like they owe him money. It’s the kind of quarter-final tie that makes you check the fixture list twice just to be sure.
“We know what France are capable of, but we also know what we can do on our day,” one senior squad member told reporters ahead of the tie. “We’re not here to make up the numbers.”
Should England get past France, a probable semi-final against Portugal or Morocco awaits. Portugal have looked dangerous going forward, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield. Morocco, meanwhile, have been the genuine surprise of the tournament, becoming the first African nation ever to reach the last eight.
The potential final itself would likely pit England against Brazil or Argentina. Both sides have been imperious. Lionel Messi is playing with the kind of urgency that comes from a man who knows this is his last real shot, while Brazil have been ruthless and inventive in equal measure.
England’s route is clear on paper. Clearer, perhaps, than it looked before the tournament began. The real question isn’t about the fixtures or the draw. It’s whether this particular generation of players has the nerve to go all the way when the stakes are highest.
In three previous semi-finals since 1966, England have come up short. Will 2022 finally be different?
