Three Lions could face Scotland or Wales in World Cup group stage

Matthew Storey

LiveScore

Gareth Southgate's England will face Iran, the United States and either Scotland, Wales or Ukraine in Qatar

England will face Iran, the United States and one of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine in the group stage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

In what appears a kind draw on paper, the Three Lions will play on the tournament’s opening day — Monday, November 21 — against Iran.

Four days later, a clash with the USA awaits on Friday, November 25, before that potential mouthwatering home nations encounter on Tuesday, November 29.

Ukraine were unable to participate in their play-off against Scotland due to Russia's invasion, meaning that section of European qualification has been postponed until June at the earliest as Wales wait to find out who they will face.

England legend Alan Shearer believes Gareth Southgate will be thrilled with the draw.

He said: "Gareth will look at that and think it could have been a lot more difficult. I am sure he and his players will be happy with that.

"It is pretty much open. I have to say that I am pleased Scotland, Wales or Ukraine got put in England's group.

"It adds that little bit more excitement. If it is Wales or Scotland it makes it a bit tougher."

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams was also happy with the draw — and reckons it was inevitable the Welsh or Scottish would face the Three Lions.

Williams said: "No disrespect to anyone, all the teams are good but it could have been a little bit more daunting in another potential group.

"I'm quite happy but there's a lot of work to do before then. They just want to get there anyway for their own reasons [not just to face England].

"Of course, one of Wales or Scotland usually draw England."

Defending champions France and boss Didier Deschamps have been handed a kind draw

Defending champions France will be content with their Group D draw, with one of United Arab Emirates, Australia or Peru lying in wait alongside Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark and Tunisia.

Elsewhere, European giants Spain and Germany are in the same group alongside Japan and either New Zealand or Costa Rica, while Liverpool team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane are set to collide with the Netherlands and Senegal drawn alongside host nation Qatar and Ecuador in Group A.

South American giants Argentina meet Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C, while their bitter rivals Brazil are in Group G with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.

Ghana, who beat Nigeria to secure their spot at the finals last Tuesday, will get a chance of retribution against their controversial 2010 World Cup conquerors Uruguay in Group H, with Portugal and South Korea filling the other two spots.

And Group F sees 2018 runners-up Croatia alongside Belgium, Morocco and Canada.

The tournament kicks off on November 21 and the group stage plays out over 12 days.

Knockout rounds begin with the first last-16 clash on December 3 and the final is on December 18.