England have discovered their opponents for next summer’s World Cup with the Three Lions taking on Croatia, Panama and Ghana in the group stage. Friday’s draw kickstarted preprations for the tournament in the United States, one that Thomas Tuchel’s men are favourites for.

Alongside discovering their groups for the prestigious tournament, England now also know their path to reach the final at the MetLife Stadium on July 19. The World Cup starts on June 11, with the Three Lions’ first game taking place on June 17 against Croatia.

England do know they won’t come up against any of the other top seeds – Argentina or Spain – until the semi final and France the final itself, if all four teams win their group.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s draw, the former Chelsea boss said: “Everyone knows that we cannot promise that we win it but they want to see a team, a team spirit, a team that gives everything and fights for each other.

“If the players bring that then I think anything is possible. We will be brave enough to dream about it, we will be brave enough to try it.

“I feel the change in expectation and a change in the feedback I get from fans and people who I meet because they like what they saw. Am I more confident now? Yes. Because we have got better. We have to arrive and try to make a special thing happen but we cannot guarantee it.”

Potential England schedule

Fixture dates are subject to final confirmation in second draw on 06/12

England Group L Matches

vs Croatia, Panama and Ghana

Croatia – June 17

Ghana – June 23

Panama – June 27

If England win the group

Round of 32 – July 1

Round of 16 – July 5

Quarters – July 11

Semi final – July 15

Final – July 19

If England finish second

Round of 32 – July 2

Round of 16 – July 6

Quarters – July 10

Semi final – July 14

Final – July 19