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What England, Wales, USA and Iran need to qualify for the World Cup last 16

All four sides can still make it out of Group B


England’s 0-0 draw with the USA has kept all four sides in the group in with a shout of qualifying for the last 16 in Qatar, though some have far easier tasks than others to make it out of Group B.

With that in mind, 101 takes a look at just what every side needs to do to ensure their progression to the next stage.

England

England and Gareth Southgate are in the driving seat to qualify from Group B despite a poor performance against the USA at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday night. On four points, a point in their final game against Wales will be enough to see them through, while a win would guarantee them top spot in the group, which could hand them a more favourable last-16 tie against the runners-up of group A.

They can qualify even with defeat, though of course they will not want that to be the outcome on Tuesday evening. Courtesy of their impressive 6-2 win over Iran, provided that they do not lose by more than three goals to Wales, they will be going through to the last 16 no matter the results elsewhere.

Iran

Despite a comprehensive defeat to England, a remarkable 2-0 win over Wales in stoppage time has left Iran in a strong position.

Should Wales not win against England, Carlos Quieroz’s side will just need a draw to qualify from the group in their final game against the USA. Sitting on three points at the moment, four will be enough to head into the last 16.

If Wales were to win and Iran draw, however, Robert Page’s outfit will head through with a superior goal difference, meaning that to be absolutely certain of going through Iran will need to take three points against the USA.

If they lose, meanwhile, they will be out.

USA

With two points to their name at this stage, the United States head into their clash with Iran knowing that a win in their final game will see them through, but that a draw would not be enough.

This comes with Iran having beaten Wales, leaving them on three points, meaning that a draw would take them to four with the US marooned on three. Unless they win, therefore, they will be out.

Wales

Bottom of the group and with one point to their name, Wales look rank outsiders to head through, but it remains a possibility for Gareth Bale and co.

Facing top-of-the-group England, who also need a result to ensure qualification, Wales must beat their old foe and rely on a draw between the USA and Iran, which would take them through in second place on goal difference.

Alternatively, were they to beat England by four goals, they would head through in place of the Three Lions.

Read more:

Revealed: Value of Chelsea’s rejected contract offer to Mason Mount

Gareth Southgate explains decision to leave Phil Foden on bench vs USA

Ben Browning

Ben Browning

Football writer and analyst. Long-time writer of all things Arsenal and avid watcher of European football. Happy to discuss all things football over on Twitter.


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