England’s place in the knockout stages of the World Cup was confirmed before they even kicked a ball against Panama on Saturday night — Uruguay’s defeat by Spain sealed the Three Lions’ spot in the last 32, guaranteeing them at least one of the eight third‑placed qualification berths.
Thomas Tuchel’s side sit top of Group L on four points, level with Ghana, who face Croatia in the other final group fixture. Both games kick off at 22:00 BST at the New York New Jersey Stadium — MetLife Stadium to most, the 82,000‑seat arena that will also host the World Cup final. If England match or better Ghana’s result without losing, they will finish top. That would set up a match against one of the eight best third‑placed teams.
“England qualify for World Cup last 32 before Panama match; Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1.”
The identity of that opponent depends on results elsewhere. If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan in their final Group K match at 00:30 BST on Sunday, England will play the third‑placed team in that group — almost certainly DR Congo, bar a seven‑goal swing between Portugal and defeat. If DR Congo draw or lose, England will play Senegal, unless two specific scenarios involving Croatia’s result and a third‑placed team from Group J (Austria or Algeria) intervene.
Should England finish second in the group, they would face Portugal; if they lose to Panama and finish third, they would play Colombia, the current winners of Group K.
Tuchel has already confirmed Reece James will miss the Panama fixture after a hamstring injury suffered in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ghana. There was better news on Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, all of whom are available. Rice (calf) and Anderson (glute) missed training on Thursday but returned on Friday, while Tuchel said Saka is ready to start after coming off the bench in the opening two matches.
Meanwhile, Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5‑1 in Vancouver to seal top spot in Group G. Leandro Trossard scored twice, Kevin De Bruyne added a third, becoming the oldest player to score for Belgium at a World Cup at 34. The victory left Belgium above Egypt on goal difference, with both finishing on five points. Trossard said: “We have performed very well. We are happy now because we’re number one. Now we have to go to the round of 32, and we’re all ready to deliver.” Belgium will also face one of the eight best third‑placed teams.
Fans in the UK can watch England’s match live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 9pm, or stream via ITVX. In the US, Fox Sports and Telemundo will broadcast the game.