Iran Press/ Europe: Soccer is the most loved sport in many parts of the world, including England. According to history, the Three Lions and the Scotland national football team are considered the oldest national football teams globally.
They first met in a friendly match on March 5, 1870, at The Oval in London that ended with a 1-1 draw. Since then, the Three Lions have participated in several competitions, including the World Cup and European Championship.
The Three Lions have featured in 14 World Cup tournaments and 10 European Championships but have only won an international trophy once.
England won their first and only World Cup in 1966 after beating West Germany 4-2 in extra time. A squad inspired by Alf Ramsey, Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore swept aside Argentina and Portugal before overcoming the Germans in the final.
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Afterward, they could only reach the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and then the final of Euro 2021 — only to lose painfully on penalties to Italy. England will be determined to go one better in Qatar and finally win their first major trophy since 1966.
Exciting roaster
As the head coach, Gareth Southgate has some very exciting young players at his disposal — not least the likes of Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka — combined with a handful of experienced stars who now possess significant tournament experience. It’s now a question of whether they can get over the line.
Southgate will hope that Manchester United defender Harry Maguire can recapture his best form ahead of the tournament, while there will inevitably again be much scrutiny on Harry Kane, who will likely have the chance to become his country’s leading all-time goalscorer.
The star players of the England national football team, which is currently ranked No. 5 in the world, are as follows: Harry Kane (Tottenham / England), Declan Rice (West Ham / England), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City / England)
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England grouped with USA, Iran and Wales
England and Wales will meet at the 2022 World Cup after being grouped together along with Iran and USA.
Gareth Southgate’s side will kick-off their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 before facing the United States in their second game on November 25.
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England and Wales will then meet in their final group match on November 29 following Wales’ progression via the play-offs.
The tournament’s opening game will see hosts Qatar face Ecuador in Al Khor on November 21. Kick-off times and venues for the remaining group-stage matches are yet to be decided.
In other groups, World Cup holders France - who could meet England in the quarter-finals, providing both sides win their groups - have been drawn in Group D alongside Denmark and Tunisia, and begin their defence against the winners of Intercontinental play-off 1 - United Arab Emirates, Australia or Peru.
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Meanwhile, 2010 winners Spain and 2014 winners Germany are paired against each other in Group E alongside Japan and Costa Rica.
Four-time winners Brazil have been grouped with Switzerland and Serbia, both of whom who they faced at the same stage in 2018, and Cameroon. The Selecao’s rivals Argentina were matched with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.
Louis van Gaal, who has spoken out against the decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar, will face the hosts with his Netherlands side in Group A, which also features Ecuador and Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will face Uruguay, Canada and South Korea, while Belgium - ranked second in the world - will take on Ghana, Morocco and Croatia.
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