England are only one step away from securing a spot on the FIFA World Cup 2026, and for that motive, they’re already mapping out their preparation forward of the match, which will likely be hosted subsequent 12 months by america, Mexico, and Canada. Among the many rumored plans is a pleasant towards one in every of South America’s prime groups.
In keeping with The Guardian, Thomas Tuchel desires his group to face non-European opponents within the lead-up to the World Cup, aiming to adapt to kinds and traits just like these they could encounter throughout the summer season match.
With that aim in thoughts, one of many choices is a pleasant towards Uruguay in March 2026, doubtlessly to be performed at Wembley. If confirmed, The Three Lions can be in for a troublesome take a look at, contemplating the person and collective high quality of their potential opponents. It will additionally function a preview of what they could face if drawn towards a CONMEBOL facet — a really seemingly situation on condition that as much as seven South American groups will qualify for the match.
Uruguay completed South America’s World Cup qualifiers tied for third place within the standings with 28 factors, alongside Colombia, Brazil, and Paraguay — one level behind Ecuador and ten behind leaders Argentina. Throughout 18 qualifying matches, they recorded 7 wins, 7 attracts, and 4 losses. Amongst their prime outcomes have been victories over Argentina in Buenos Aires and Brazil in Montevideo.
Federico Valverde of Uruguay.
One other issue that makes Uruguay a harmful opponent is the standard of their squad. Marcelo Bielsa’s group — the supervisor who beforehand coached Leeds United within the Premier League — options stars resembling Actual Madrid’s Federico Valverde, Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur, and Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte.
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One other doable opponent for England
Along with Uruguay, which might function a precious take a look at towards a South American group, The Guardian additionally experiences that England are contemplating an Asian opponent. Japan seem like the popular selection, with that match additionally scheduled for March at Wembley.
The Three Lions haven’t confronted an Asian group in almost three years. The final time was towards Iran throughout the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the place they secured a 6–2 win within the group stage. For that motive, taking up among the best AFC groups simply months earlier than one other international match can be a sensible transfer.
Like Uruguay, Japan have already secured their spot within the upcoming World Cup. They dominated their third-round qualifying group with 7 wins, 2 attracts, and simply 1 loss, ending forward of groups resembling Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. With that, they clinched their eighth straight World Cup look.
What do England must qualify for the World Cup?
Proper now, England lead Group Okay in European qualifying. They’ve gained all 5 of their matches and sit at 15 factors. Behind them are Albania with 8 factors and Serbia with 7, although Serbia have performed one fewer match than their rivals.
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Throughout the October worldwide break, Thomas Tuchel’s group will likely be off on the primary Matchday, throughout which they’ll play a pleasant towards Wales on Thursday. Then, subsequent Tuesday, they’ll face Latvia. A win there would all however seal England’s place on the World Cup — one thing solely Serbia may doubtlessly delay by successful each of their matches this month, which might push the group’s consequence into November.
