World Cup 2018 Draw

The countdown now begins. 194 days until the start of the World Cup. 3 days more until England's tournament opener against Tunisia. At least 4 years until Wales' World Cup opener. It's simple; we're pretty excited.

The group stage draw took place in Moscow yesterday, hosted by our very own Gary Lineker and Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya. 

Gareth Southgate will be quietly pleased with how the draw came out, avoiding all the big, big dogs from Pot 1, and ending up with two of the weaker teams from the other two pots. It also brings Southgate's England career, both as a player and a manager, into a a nice circle, as his first World Cup game as both a player and a manager will be against Tunisia. Fun, eh?

The general consensus from the draw is that England should - SHOULD! - get out of the group at least. They play Belgium last, meaning that both teams could be playing for top spot in the group by the time the game comes around - supposing that everything goes as it should in the first two...

This would set up a time with the winner or second place finishers in Group H, depending on England's own group position. Their Last 16 match-up will clearly be a challenge whoever they go up against - Poland or Colombia probably give England their sternest test - meaning a quarter-final is very doable. 

All I'm looking for from England this tournament is progress - I'll go into it more in-depth nearer the start of the World Cup - but a team that looks like it's fighting, and a team that wins at least one knock-out game is probably a start. We're a young team that we need to nurture.

Normally post World Cup draw we end up discussing the 'Group of Death'. This year, there isn't really one that stands out. There are great matches to look forward to. Portugal vs. Spain is stand out - but they should both qualify with no problem. 

Group D and Group H are probably as close as we can get, but this is more down to unpredictable qualifiers rather than quality teams. 

The draw just means that we can all truly begin our road to Russia. The dreams can begin. And they can be ready to be crushed too. Wales, we'll see you in a couple of years.

What are your thoughts on the draw? How far can England go? Share and comment.

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