England head into their second World Cup group match against Ghana on Tuesday night in a strong position to advance from Group L. A 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opener has given Thomas Tuchel's side a chance to secure a spot in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
What a win means for England
A win in Boston against Ghana, who beat Panama 1-0 in their first match, would guarantee England a place in the Round of 32. However, it would not automatically ensure top spot in the group. England would need to wait for the result of Croatia vs. Panama, played in the early hours of Wednesday morning. If Panama fail to beat Croatia in Toronto, England would finish first.
Draw or defeat scenarios
A draw against Ghana would leave England needing a result in their final group match against Panama on Saturday to mathematically qualify. In practice, four points are generally enough to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. A defeat would end England's hopes of winning the group, but a victory over Panama four days later would still see them through.
Securing qualification early would allow Tuchel to rest players against Panama, a valuable option given England's condensed schedule. Because they are in Group L, England started their campaign later than many teams. If they reach the final on July 19, they could play six matches in 23 days.
New tiebreaker rule
For the first time since 1970, goal difference is not the first tiebreaker for teams level on points. Instead, head-to-head results between the tied teams are used. This means England would top the group if they beat Ghana and Panama drop points against Croatia.
Potential Round of 32 opponents
As group winners, England would enter the bottom half of the draw and face a third-placed side from Groups E, H, I, J, or K. Potential opponents include Ecuador, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, or DR Congo. That match would be in Atlanta on July 1 at 5pm. A second-place finish would see England play the runner-up in Group K (Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, or Uzbekistan) in Toronto on July 2 at 12am. Finishing third would mean playing the Group K winner in Kansas City on July 4 at 2.30am.
