England, where the modern game was codified, won the World Cup at home in 1966 and reached the 2018 semi-final and 2022 quarter-final. Expectation always travels with them.

The road ahead

Group game 1 · Wed 17 June

vs Croatia4–2 W

Group game 2 · Tue 23 June

vs Ghana0–0 D

Group game 3 · Sat 27 June

at Panama2–0 W

Three group games are guaranteed; the knockout steps unlock as the team advances.