England expects once again. The 3 Lions are about to kick off their World Cup campaign with relatively high hopes that a second World Cup trophy could “come home” sixty years after the first.
In saying that, England fans are conditioned to temper their expectations a little bit. They’ve been through the ringer before too many times, even if recent World Cups have been a little more fun.
Indeed, the 3 Lions are 3rd favourites in the World Cup betting, and fans will be glued to the action at home and in pubs and clubs across the nation. How far can they go? That depends, but many fans will be stealing a march by booking some time off in and around England’s knockout games.
A 48-team tournament complicates the television schedules somewhat, but we can break everything down for you based on how things potentially pan out for England. Let’s start with the Group Stage, where England’s charge will begin:
England’s Group Stage Fixtures:
Wed 17 June England vs Croatia, Dallas/Arlington, 9pm ITV1
Tue 23 June England vs Ghana, Boston, 9pm BBC One
Sat 27 June Panama vs England New York-New Jersey, 10pm, ITV1
Knockout Rounds
Obviously, this is where it gets complicated because we do not know how England will navigate the Group Stage. However, we can parse out where the games will be played and make a stab at who the likely opponents will be. Note that ITV and the BBC will still have to confirm the final details on who will be broadcasting each England match, should the 3 Lions progress:
If England top the group:
Round of 32 Wed 1 July England vs 3rd place from Group E/H/I/J/K, Atlanta, 5pm
Round of 16 Mon 6 July England vs possible Mexico, Mexico City 1am
Quarter-final Sat 11 July England vs possible Brazil, Miami 10pm
Semi-final Wed 15 July England vs possible Argentina, Atlanta 8pm
Final Sun 19 July England vs possible Spain, New York-New Jersey 8pm
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If England finish 2nd:
Round of 32 Fri 3 July England vs possible Colombia, Toronto, 12am
Round of 16 Mon 6 July England vs possible Spain, Arlington, 8pm
Quarter-final Fri 10 July England vs possible Belgium, Los Angeles, 8pm
Semi-final Tue 14 July England vs possible France Arlington, 8pm
Final Sun 19 July England vs possible Argentina, New York-New Jersey, 8pm
If England finish 3rd:
Round of 32 Sat 4 July England vs possible Portugal, Kansas City, 2.30am
Round of 16 Tue 7 July England vs possible Switzerland, Vancouver, 9pm
Quarter-final Sun 12 July England vs possible Argentina, Kansas City, 2am
Semi-final Wed 15 July England vs possible Brazil, Atlanta, 8pm
Final Sun 19 July England vs possible Spain, New York-New Jersey, 8pm