By Sulaimon Jamiu
The “Three Lions” of England could face either Wales or Scotland at a World Cup finals for the first time, after the draw for the tournament’s finals was made on Friday.
One of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will go into Group B after the remaining European play-off path is completed. Iran and the USA have also been drawn in England’s group.
The World Cup takes place between November 21 and December 18 in Qatar, with Senegal playing the Netherlands in the tournament’s opening game.
England’s first fixture, taking place on the same day, sees them take on Iran. The two sides have never met in a senior men’s competitive international. The game will take place eight days after the Premier League begins a six-week break.
Reigning champions France are in Group D while Brazil, who returned to number one in the Fifa world rankings on 31 March, are in Group G.
Wales, seeking to reach their first World Cup since 1958, will have to overcome the winners of Scotland and Ukraine in the play-off final in June.
However, that semi-final which had been scheduled to take place on March 24 at Hampden was postponed because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Below are the group stages, after the draw:
Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales/Scotland/Ukraine
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D: France, UAE/Australia/Peru, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica/New Zealand, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
