England currently have one of the best squads on the planet and will head to next summer’s World Cup as one of the favourites. The Three Lions booked their place at the tournament after winning all eight of their qualifying matches without conceding a goal.

England will be hoping for a relatively smooth passage through to the knockout stages at the tournament and have secured a place in Pot 1 ahead of Friday’s draw. But the 1966 champions could find themselves in the Group of Death if Friday’s draw goes against them.

That would leave them facing a nightmare scenario as they attempt to win the event for the first time in 60 years…

Colombia

South American countries have typically shown huge pedigree at World Cups, with England relying on a penalty shootout to get the better of Colombia at the 2018 edition of the tournament in Russia.

Colombia, who are in Pot 2, are ranked at No. 13 in the world and lost just four of their 18 qualifying matches. And they have the potential to cause Thomas Tuchel’s side all sorts of problems if England are drawn to face Nestor Lorenzo’s side.

Scotland

Pot 3 is home to Erling Haaland’s Norway and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, with a clash against either of those sides likely to be a concern for the Three Lions.

But familiar foe Scotland would offer England their biggest test by far due to their strong performances in qualifying and the derby element of the fixture.

Scotland looked set to miss out on automatic qualification as they entered stoppage time at the end of their defining clash with Denmark last month needing another goal to book their place at the World Cup. But Steve Clarke’s side bagged two late goals in an enthralling encounter to finish above the Danes at the top of their group.

And they have plenty of talent in their ranks, with the likes of Scott McTominay, Andy Robertson and John McGinn possessing bags of experience at the highest level.

Ghana

Ghana could provide England with a banana skin fixture should they be drawn in a Group of Death alongside the Three Lions.

The country breezed through qualifying after winning eight of their 10 matches and have World Cup nous, having featured at four of the last five tournaments ahead of the 2026 edition.

Ghana also have a number of Premier League stars in their squad, with Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus capable of helping their country cause an upset against Tuchel’s side.