- England will face Belgium, Tunisia and Panama in the World Cup group stage
- Favourable draw for Southgate’s side as they will fancy chances of progressing
- Reaction on social media was mixed with many talking up chances
- READ MORE: World Cup draw in full: England to face Belgium, Tunisia and Panama
It’s fair to say that England got a favourable draw for the 2018 World Cup group stage on Friday, and it’s led to a mixed reaction on social media.
Gareth Southgate’s men will undoubtedly face a tough test against Belgium, with many in Roberto Martinez’s squad knowing their rivals well given many ply their trade in the Premier League.
On paper, those two nations will be expected to compete for top spot, with Tunisia and Panama looking to spoil the party and cause a major upset.
Given their track record in big international tournaments, you arguably wouldn’t expect England fans and the media as a whole to look too far ahead of themselves.
Euro 2016 was a perfect example of that as they were dumped out by Iceland, but it seems some haven’t learnt their lesson with a few comments below looking at who England could face deep into the knockout stages.
In truth, they really should make the most of their superior individual quality to make it past the group stage, but to suggest that their path thereafter will be straight-forward would be a mistake. A possible last-16 meeting with Colombia would be a real test of their credentials.
Nevertheless, whether it’s Englishmen assessing their chances or pundits and media outlets poking fun, England were undoubtedly a hot topic on Friday and they’ll be hoping to silence the detractors this time round and enjoy a deep run to get as close as possible to ending their wait for another World Cup.
England should have no excuses.
— Janusz Michallik (@JanuszMichallik) December 1, 2017
Delighted for England fans you’ve avoided Iceland ??
— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) December 1, 2017
ENGLAND’S CONFIRMED GROUP:
?? – Hazard sending Hendo back to Sunderland.
?? – Only relevant because of Prison Break.
?? – Right, we can win this one.
? – England. pic.twitter.com/WGC3yuIIiV— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) December 1, 2017
This draw raises the tantalising prospect of Hazard, Lukaku & De Bruyne all being half-heartedly booed by fans of PL opponents on the opening day of next season after knocking England out
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 1, 2017
England last 16 game v Poland or Colombia – last 8 here we come
— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) December 1, 2017
I see the headline now. England lose their final game to Belgium and get knocked out.
“BEL-ENDS! English World Cup Dream ended by Belgium”— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 1, 2017
Here’s @England‘s potential route to the World Cup final if they win Group G. More here: https://t.co/OJoqgbrCwz #WorldCupdraw pic.twitter.com/1RBXD2c5DF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 1, 2017
Belgium, Tunisia and Panama. England might actually make it to the World Cup knockout rounds. Incredible draw.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) December 1, 2017