It was a favourable World Cup draw for England at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center yesterday, but Gareth Southgate is still expecting some ‘tricky’ ties.

The Three Lions have been placed in Group B for the finals being held in Qatar, and will face Iran, USA and either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.

Southgate said: “There’s obviously then some tricky ties and this is one of those groups where you’re looking and thinking ‘some of these are potentially trickier than just the rankings’. That’s always a danger.

“It’s intriguing isn’t it, because we’ve never played Iran. And then the States … I’ve met (US coach) Gregg (Berhalter) a lot recently, so we’ve had some good chats and he’s got them vastly improved.

“The third game is going to be a highly emotional game whoever it is. We all know where our thoughts are with Ukraine and we have to see whether they are even able to play or not.”

Daily Echo: Managers, including England manager Gareth Southgate (back row third left), on stage during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Draw. Picture: PAManagers, including England manager Gareth Southgate (back row third left), on stage during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Draw. Picture: PA

England World Cup fixtures

England take on Iran on the opening day of the finals, in what will be a first senior international meeting between the countries.

They will then aim to beat the United States in a World Cup finals match at the third attempt, after a shock defeat in 1950 and a draw at the 2010 finals in South Africa.

The Three Lions’ third and final game will see them go up against Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.

Should they get out of that comfortable-looking pool, they will face Qatar, Holland, Senegal or Ecuador in the last 16.

Daily Echo:

England World Cup games: Dates and times

England V Iran

Khalifa International Stadium

Monday, November 21 at 1pm GMT

England V USA

Al Bayt Stadium

Friday, November 25 at 7pm GMT

Wales/Scotland/Ukraine V England

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Tuesday, November 29 at 7pm GMT