How England’s dream route to the World Cup final could look provided they top their group

England may just be one game into the World Cup but it’s never too early for fans to start mapping out a potential route to the final. The Three Lions’ thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia – the highest-ranked non-seed at the tournament – has put them in pole position to top Group L.

Victory over Ghana on Tuesday will ensure England’s place in the round of 32 and probably first place as well. That should, in theory, give Thomas Tuchel’s side an easier passage in early part of the knockout stages before potential meetings with heavyweights such as France, Spain and defending champions Argentina.

Working out potential knockout round opponents is trickier due to the bloated nature of this World Cup. Previously, it was 32 teams with the top two from each group advancing to the last 16.

Now, it’s a 48-team tournament with the top two, plus the eight best third-place teams, going through. Mirror Football looks at how a potential dream route to the final in New Jersey on July 19 could look, if all of the cards fall England’s way, however unlikely that may be.

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Last 32 (Atlanta, July 1)

If England win Group L, they will face the third-place team from Group E, H, I, J or K in Atlanta on July 1.

Assuming Germany, Spain, Argentina and Portugal go through in one of the top two spots, potential opponents include Saudi Arabia, Austria, Algeria and DR Congo. Tougher-looking potential opponents include Norway, Uruguay and Colombia.

Dream opponent: Saudi Arabia

Last 16 (Mexico City, July 6)

If England come through that game, they would play in Mexico City in a match that would kick-off at 1am on Monday, July 6.

The most likely opponent would be co-hosts Mexico, who look set to top Group A. That would be a stern test amid the altitude of the Azteca Stadium, a ground that has painful memories for England from past World Cups.

But if Mexico fall in the first knockout round, England could find themselves up against a third-place finisher from Group C, E, F, H or I, such as Scotland, Japan or Sweden if they manage to come through their last-16 ties.

Dream opponent: Scotland

Quarter-finals (Miami, July 11)

This is when it could get especially tough for Tuchel’s side, with Brazil as potential opponents in Miami on Saturday, July 11 (10pm).

But that’s only if Brazil top their group, which is by no means certain amid competition from Morocco, semi-finalists in Qatar four years ago. Potential easier opponents, at least on paper, include Japan, Sweden, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Norway.

Dream opponent: Sweden

Semi-finals (Atlanta, July 15)

Again, there are a lot of permutations to consider, but Argentina and Portugal are England’s most likely potential opponents if both win their groups.

England would probably prefer to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Uruguay and the United States, plus various third-place sides, are potential opponents too, in a dream scenario we’re talking about here.

Dream opponent: Uruguay

Final (New Jersey, July 19)

England will avoid Spain and France until the final, provided all three win their groups, with Spain and France due to meet in the semis. Other potential finalists include Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Dream opponent: Belgium

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