England’s route to the World Cup final: Mexico, then Brazil or Norway await

England’s pursuit of a first World Cup triumph in six decades continues after a hard-fought win over DR Congo sent Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last 16, where a mouth-watering tie against co-hosts Mexico now awaits at the Estadio Azteca.

The Three Lions topped Group L but were made to work for their place in the knockout rounds, falling behind early against DR Congo before captain Harry Kane struck twice to steer England through to the last 32.

Mexico test at altitude looms large

England’s round of 16 assignment takes them into the notoriously demanding high-altitude conditions of the Estadio Azteca, where co-hosts Mexico will provide a stern examination on 5 July. Mexico head into the tie in fine form, having dispatched fellow dark horses Ecuador 2-0 in their previous outing and will fancy their chances of causing a major upset against one of the tournament’s leading contenders.

Should Tuchel’s men navigate that formidable test, a quarter-final against Brazil is the likely outcome based on FIFA’s projected bracket, though the Selecao must first see off Erling Haaland’s rampant Norway side to reach that stage of the competition.

Argentina lying in wait for a potential semi-final

If England were to progress as expected, a mouth-watering semi-final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina could be on the cards. The holders eased through an unbeaten group stage and face World Cup surprise package Cape Verde in the last 32, with the tiny African island nation needing the shock of the tournament to derail Argentina’s progress.

Egypt or Australia stand between Argentina and a place in the quarter-finals, where they could meet the winner of a last-16 tie involving Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or Ghana.

Spain and France loom on the other side of the draw

Should England make it all the way through to the final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium, they would likely face top-ranked Spain, who themselves have work to do to reach New Jersey. La Roja begin their knockout campaign against Austria in the round of 32, with Portugal expected to provide their last-16 opposition before a potential quarter-final against hosts USA.

Many observers believe a mammoth semi-final between Spain and France, viewed by some as the unofficial final between the two best teams left in the tournament, could then determine England’s ultimate opponents in the showpiece match.

England’s road so far

England opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, before a goalless draw with Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. A 2-0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium confirmed top spot in Group L, setting up the last-32 meeting with DR Congo, which England won 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta thanks to Kane’s brace.

The Mexico tie takes place on 5 July, with a potential quarter-final against Brazil or Norway scheduled for the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 11 July. Should England progress that far, a semi-final back at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 15 July would follow, with the final set for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.