England’s recent performances in major tournaments have dramatically improved on a generation of last-16 and quarterfinal exits for the Three Lions.
A semifinal defeat to Croatia in 2018 included a first ever World Cup penalty shootout win over Colombia in the previous round, as Gareth Southgate’s side matched the last-four run of Sir Bobby Robson’s team at Italia ’90.
England came even closer at Euro 2020 as spot-kicks returned to haunt the national psyche with defeat on penalties to Roberto Mancini’s Italy at Wembley despite scoring after a minute.
However, fan confidence remains mixed over England’s ability to go on and win the competition, despite some impressive performances in Qatar.
MORE: England World Cup squad 2022
England World Cup odds to win
England’s traditionally strong qualification record continued ahead of the 2022 World Cup, as they topped Group I, with an unbeaten streak of 26 points from 10 games.
Six winless matches, and relegation, in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League damaged the positivity surrounding Southgate’s squad, with 12 months passing since their last competitive win before Qatar.
However, England have turned the tide somewhat in the Middle East, by topping Group B, beating Senegal in the Round of 16, and setting up a mouth-watering quarterfinal clash with France.
Here’s how England’s pre-tournament chances to win the World Cup are rated by sportsbooks in several of the major global territories.
| Territory | Odds to win World Cup |
| U.S. (BetMGM) | +600 |
| U.K. (Sky Bet) | 6/1 |
| Canada (Sports Interaction) | 7.15 |
| Australia (Ladbrokes) | 6.50 |
*Odds correct as of December 8, 2022
England route to World Cup final
Quarterfinals
England’s reward for winning Group B was a Round of 16 showdown against Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal.
Southgate’s side eased to a 3-0 win in Al Khor, to set up a huge quarterfinal game against France, at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Semifinals
If England can negotiate their way past France, and into a second successive semi-final spot, they will take on the winners of tournament surprise package Morooco and Portugal.
Final
If England can make it all the way to the final they will have already seen off some major rivals on the way to Lusail.
Argentina and Brazil are perhaps their most likely opponents, as the Three Lions chase a first World Cup title, since 1966.
England’s potential knockout schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 10 | Quarterfinals vs. France | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Wed, Dec. 14 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
*Only in event of defeat in semifinals