Who will England play next in the World Cup if they beat DR Congo? Possible route to final

England face DR Congo in the Round of 32 this evening with a place in the last 16 of the competition up for grabs.

The Three Lions finished first in their group with seven points, courtesy of wins over Croatia and Panama and a draw with Ghana.

Thomas Tuchel’s men face an unenviable route to the World Cup final if they are indeed to win their first major trophy since 1966, but they will not be looking past the challenge at hand with DR Congo representing a potentially awkward challenge in Atlanta.

Here’s who, and when, England could play in the World Cup knockout stages, should everything go to plan over the next few weeks.

Round of 16

Victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32 would see England play Mexico, in Mexico City, at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

Mexico boast a formidable record at their legendary home, having won 70 of their 89 competitive games at the stadium with only two defeats.

A late night would be in store for England fans with the match scheduled for 1am on Monday, July 6.

Quarter-final

A showdown with Brazil or Norway could await at 10pm on Saturday, July 11 in Miami, with the two sides meeting in the Round of 16.

Facing Brazil would be a repeat of the 2002 quarter-final, which England infamously lost 2-1 courtesy of a Ronaldinho free-kick.

Semi-final

England would return to Atlanta, the location of their Round of 32 match, for a possible semi-final tussle with Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Wednesday, July 15 at 8pm.

Other potential opponents, albeit much less likely, include Switzerland and Colombia.

Final

Spain or France – take your pick – could stand in the way of England winning their second World Cup and ending their 60 years of pain.

The final will take place in New York on Sunday, July 19, with kick-off at 8pm.