England's expected route to World Cup final updated after Argentina's spectacular comeback
England's path to the World Cup final has taken several dramatic twists after reigning champions Argentina came back from the brink
England now know which teams they have to beat if they are to reach the World Cup final on July 19. Thomas Tuchel's men are into the quarter-finals following their win against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning, knowing that are tougher tests lying in wait for them.
The Three Lions produced a memorable display to beat Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, overcoming a thunderstorm and breathless altitude levels. In the game itself, Jarell Quansah was sent off and Harry Kane gave away a penalty, yet England survived to book their place in the last eight.
There, they will meet Erling Haaland and Norway, who have already caused one shock in the tournament. Haaland bagged a brace as the Scandinavian nation overcame Brazil 2-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals.
The winner of that game might have been rewarded with what many would regard as a straightforward game on paper if Egypt got through. That looked to be a realistic scenario when Egypt led 2-0 late on in the game on Monday evening, giving England hope of avoiding Lionel Messi and Co.
But Argentina had other ideas, fighting back to beat their African opponents 3-2 with a stunning 17-minute comeback. Egypt threatened to pull off one of the greatest upsets in recent memory after Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko gave them a shock two-goal lead.
That was until the 79th minute when Lionel Scaloni's side fought back. They were trailing until the 79th minute, when Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez all scored to seal their place in the next round.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page
England might have celebrated if Egypt prevailed, as it would've been meant avoiding Messi, who has been in fine form with eight goals in the tournament. They were initially projected to have a run of Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Spain to the final, but Norway's win coupled with a surprise Egypt success would've made for an easier path on paper.
Norway showed their quality by beating five-time winners Brazil, so they definitely aren't to be underestimated and rankings count for nothing on the pitch. Likewise, Argentina will still have to overcome Switzerland on Sunday to get to the last four.
The European side were taken to extra time and then penalties after they couldn't be separated at 0-0 after 120 minutes with Colombia. Former Manchester City man Manuel Akanji missed from the spot but Switzerland won 4-3 in the shootout after Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez missed from 12 yards.
So, how does England's route to winning the World Cup compare to that of their rivals? France's likely run of Morocco, Spain and England would represent an average rank of 4.3.
However, if Argentina reach the final and make it a replay of the 2022 edition, that would make it 3.3 for the French, who are ranked third in the world.
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer's FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code DEAL.