England comes into the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the favorite to win Group B and one of the sides that will be backed to make a deep run in Qatar. The Three Lions...
World Cup Groups 2022: Odds, Group of Death and Most Exciting Matchups
Nov 20, 2022
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 27: Neymar (Brazil 10) during the international friendly between Brazil and Tunisia at Parc des Princes on September 27, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
The FIFA men's World Cup starts Sunday, kicking off the first-ever iteration of the competition in the fall.
Qatar will host the tournament, which will feature 32 teams split into eight groups of four. Those quartets will undergo a round-robin schedule within their groups, and the top two teams in each will advance to the 16-team knockout round.
As is the case every year, there are "Groups of Death" in the tournament. Some quartets appear far more competitive than others on paper, either because the group is deep or because of numerous heavyweights getting drawn together.
This year, three groups stand out over the others. Here's a look at that trio as the World Cup nears.
Group B: England, Iran, United States, Wales
Group B is the only group that features four teams in the top 20 of the FIFA rankings. England is fifth, followed by the United States (16th), Wales (19th) and Iran (20th).
Per DraftKings Sportsbook, England is the overwhelming favorite to win the group at -280 ($280 bet to win $100), followed by Wales and the United States (+500 each; bet $100 to win $500) and Iran (+1600).
Led by Harry Kane, who scored 12 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches, England should (in theory) roll to the top of the group. That was the thought in 2010, when England was matched with Slovenia, the United States and Algeria.
However, England scratched and survived just to advance after a win and two draws, one of which was a 1-1 game against the U.S.
The two sides will face off yet again this year, with the game coming on Black Friday. For the U.S., it could be do-or-die if they lose their opener to Wales. For England, it could be win-and-in if the favorites handle business versus Iran. Regardless of the circumstances, that's the match to watch in Group B as a trio of teams look to knock off the world power that is the Three Lions.
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
Two of the six teams on the top of the DraftKings Sportsbook World Cup odds ledger reside in Group E. Spain is there at +850, while Germany sits at +1000.
Those two teams are the clear favorites to advance. Their matchup in the group stage is the one to watch here.
Don't sleep on Costa Rica and Japan, though.
Costa Rica caught fire near the end of its World Cup qualifying round thanks to four wins and a draw in its last five matches. They beat New Zealand in the World Cup playoff to advance.
Japan could be a dangerous side in this tournament thanks to the dynamic duo of Takumi Minamino and Yuya Osako, who scored 10 goals each during World Cup qualifying.
Both teams have tall tasks ahead of them against the European powers, but chaos has happened before in the group stage and could well happen again.
Group G: Brazil, Cameroon, Serbia, Switzerland
Brazil is the clear World Cup favorite. DraftKings Sportsbook lists them as +350 to win it all atop the 32-team list.
FIFA's No. 1 team features one of the game's top all-time players in Neymar, who features on a talented roster including English Premier League attackers Richarlison, Antony, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
It won't be a cakewalk for to the top of the group for Brazil (-300 odds to win the group), however. Switzerland (+550), Serbia (+650) and Cameroon (+1200) are all quite capable of advancing to the knockout round.
Switzerland only allowed two goals over eight qualifying matches en route to finishing 5-3-0 for 18 points to top Group C. Serbia also won its group, besting Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal by three points. The matchup between these two could determine one of the two knockout spots in this group.
Cameroon is the underdog of this group, but that was also the case in 1990 when the Indomitable Lions made a sensational run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. They haven't been able to get out of the group stage since, but they sport a deep roster capable of advancing to the knockout round.
For all the latest betting information and reaction, check out B/R Betting.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
2022 Men’s World Cup Power Players: Breaking Down Harry Kane's Game
Nov 16, 2022
Tottenham's Harry Kane gestures during the Champions League group D soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sporting CP at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Harry Kane enters the 2022 FIFA World Cup as one of the most complete forwards of his generation.
The Tottenham Hotspur and England striker has been a model of consistency for years at both the domestic and international levels.
England will try to ride Kane's scoring ability to a long stay in Qatar. He comes into the tournament having already confirmed his ninth straight double-digit-goal season across all competitions for Spurs.
Kane is one of the most well-rounded attacking players headed to the World Cup and has had prior success at international tournaments for the Three Lions.
This article was produced in partnership with Prada Luna Rossa.
Top Club Goals
Some of Kane's best abilities were on display early in the 2022-23 English Premier League season, when he vaulted in the air to head in a corner to equalize in stoppage time against Chelsea. Although it was an August match, it had a blockbuster feel and Kane delivered the last blow of the contest to secure a draw.
Another Kane header saw him score his 250th goal for Spurs on August 20. He holds the EPL record for the most goals for a single club and he is third on the EPL's all-time scoring chart.
The heading ability is one thing to have, but Kane also showed excellent movement against Manchester City in February to get in front of a defender to power Spurs into the lead.
Kane's game-winning goal in the UEFA Euro 2020 semifinal against Denmark was not picture-perfect, but he responded right away to his saved penalty to bury a shot in the back of the net and send the Three Lions to the final.
The English striker proved his clinical ability from the penalty spot four years ago in Russia, delivering from the spot in the round of 16 against Colombia to give England the lead during the game and then also scored later in a penalty shootout victory for his team. He had two other penalty-kick goals in the group stage against Panama.
Prior to the Colombia game, Kane secured an opening-game win for England with a brace against Tunisia. A composed back-post header in the final minutes gave England three points.
Moment of the Day 👀 When @England’s Harry Kane netted an injury-time winner on his #WorldCup debut 💪
Kane has proved on countless occasions that he is one of the most clinical finishers in the game and that he is one of the most clutch players in world soccer.
The 29-year-old has scored goals in many big moments for Tottenham and England over the years and he has a collection of memorable strikes, some of which you have seen above.
Kane always seems to be in the right position to put the ball in the back of the net.
World Cup Outlook
Kane is chasing Wayne Rooney's all-time scoring record for England; he comes into Qatar with 51 international goals, two short of Rooney's mark.
The Three Lions are the favorites to come out on top of Group B, which features Iran, Wales and the United States, and he could power England into the knockout stages while also breaking the record.
Kane and his English teammates will have high expectations set for them after their run to the semifinals in 2018 and to the UEFA Euro 2020 final last year.
If England goes far in Qatar, Kane should have his name high on the Golden Boot standings. He will be one of the top contenders for the award, along with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Chelsea's Reece James Says Champions League, Euro Medals Were Stolen During Match
Sep 16, 2021
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Reece James of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Zenit St. Petersburg at Stamford Bridge on September 14, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea right back Reece James is
asking for help to identify a group of people who robbed a safe from
his home during Tuesday night's Champions League match against Zenit
Saint Petersburg at Stamford Bridge.
James, who played all 90 minutes in the
Blues' 1-0 win, wrote on Instagram the safe contained his medals from
the club's titles in the 2020-21 Champions League and the 2021 UEFA
Super Cup, along with his runner-up medal from the England national
team's trip to the Euro 2020 final this summer.
"These medals were won representing
Chelsea and England—honours that can never be taken away from me
whether or not I have the physical medals to prove it," James
wrote. "Nevertheless, I am appealing to all my Chelsea and England
fans to help identify and turn in these low life individuals who will
never be able to rest easy as the evidence is mounting against them."
The 21-year-old rising star posted
several videos with security footage from the home, which show at least five people pushing the safe out of the house and
into a getaway car after forcing open the security fence.
James noted local police, Chelsea and
his advisors have started looking into the situation and identified "firm leads on who the perpetrators are."
"We are closing in on them," he
wrote. "Luckily, no one was present during the break in but I want
to let all of you know I am safe and well. I really do appreciate
having the platform to tell you all about my misfortune and I hope
together we can catch these individuals and deliver justice where it
is due."
Police haven't commented on the
investigation.
Chelsea remain unbeaten so far during
the 2021-22 season. After beating Villarreal on penalty kicks to win
the UEFA Super Cup, the Blues have posted three wins and one draw in the Premier League and opened the UCL group stage with the victory over
Zenit Saint Petersburg.
James has appeared in three of the
Premier League fixtures along with starting Tuesday's Champions
League triumph.
He's also become a consistent
contributor for England at the international level, most recently
playing 62 minutes in a 4-0 win over Andorra in World Cup qualifying
on Sept. 5.
Chelsea returns to Premier League
action Sunday when it travels for an away match against Tottenham
Hotspur.
Police Arrest 4 People Suspected Of Racist Abuse of England's Players After Euro 2020
Jul 15, 2021
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 14: A general view of the mural at Trafford Park is seen on July 14, 2021 in Manchester, England. A Giant mural in support of the three England footballers Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka has been unveiled in Manchester. The England stars were targeted with racist abuse online after they missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final leading to defeat by Italy. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
British Police confirmed the arrest of
four people suspected of racially abusing three Black members of the England national team on social media—Marcus Rashford,
Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka—following a loss to Italy in the Euro
2020 final on Sunday.
Michael Holden of Reuters reported
Thursday the UK Football Policing Unit has also launched a hate crime
investigation into the matter.
"We are working very closely with
social media platforms, who are providing data we need to progress
enquiries," Chief Constable Mark Roberts said. "If we
identify that you are behind this crime, we will track you down and
you will face the serious consequences of your shameful actions."
The British government has also urged
the most well-known social media companies (Facebook, Instagram and
Twitter) to remove the hateful material more quickly or face
government action, per Holden.
England took a 1-0 lead in the Euro
2020 championship match on a second-minute goal by Luke Shaw. Leonardo Bonucci leveled the fixture for Italy in the second half, and then the Azzurri won the penalty shootout 3-2 to win the tournament for the first time since 1968.
Rashford, Sancho and Saka missed their
penalties, which led to the online abuse.
The English players had been taking a
knee before the opening kickoff of their matches throughout the tournament as a
protest against racism.
Rashford posted a statement on Twitter
after people left messages of support on a mural featuring his image after it had been vandalized with racist abuse:
The Three Lions were seeking their
first major title since the 1966 FIFA World Cup.
England returns to action in early
September for three 2022 World Cup qualifiers, beginning with a Sept.
2 away match against Hungary.
Jadon Sancho on Racist Abuse After Euro 2020 Penalty Miss: 'Hate Will Never Win'
Jul 14, 2021
England's Jadon Sancho reacts after he missed to score during the penalty shootout of the Euro 2020 soccer championship final between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool)
Jadon Sancho released a statement Wednesday saying "hate will never win" after he received racist abuse on social media following his missed penalty kick in the 2020 Euro final.
"Hate will never win," Sancho wrote. "To all the young people who have received similar abuse, hold your heads up high and keep chasing the dream. I am proud of this England team and how we have united the whole nation in what has been a difficult 18 months for so many people. Much as we wanted to win the tournament, we will build and learn from this experience going forward."
Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, all of whom are Black, were subject to racist abuse after missing penalties in England's loss to Italy in Sunday's Euro final. A 50-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred over a tweet sent to Rashford just after his miss.
In the statement, Sancho also apologized to his teammates, coaches and fans for the missed penalty.
"This is by far the worst feeling I’ve felt in my career. It’s hard to even put into words the real feeling, but there were so many positives to take away from this tournament though the defeat will hurt for a long time," Sancho wrote.
English manager Gareth Southgate called the racist messages from fans "unforgivable."
50-Year-Old Man Arrested for Allegedly Sending Racist Tweet to Marcus Rashford
Jul 13, 2021
England's Marcus Rashford misses to score during the penalty shootout of the Euro 2020 soccer championship final between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool)
A 50-year-old British man was arrested for inciting racial hatred over a racist tweet sent to Marcus Rashford during the 2020 Euro final.
Nick Scott, who owns the Twitter account in question, has denied sending a tweet that read "that MBE needs burning ya fake. Pack them bags and get to ya own country." Scott said his account was hacked. A tweet apologizing to Rashford was sent from the account early on Monday morning.
Police did not identify Scott as the person arrested. However, both Scott and the man identified are 50 years old and reside just outside Worcester. The person arrested has been released while the investigation is ongoing.
The tweet came from Scott's account after Rashford missed a critical penalty kick that helped hand the 2020 Euro to Italy. Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, all of whom are Black, were targets of racist rhetoric on social media after missing penalties.
"For some of them to be abused is unforgivable," manager Gareth Southgate told reporters. "Some of it has come from abroad, we have been told this, but some of it is from this country. We have been a beacon of light to bring people together and the national team stands for everybody. We felt the energy and positivity from the fans and I'm incredibly proud of that."
Police inspector Pete Nightingale has encouraged people who have seen racist tweets or other messages on social media to report them to the police.
England FA, Police to Investigate 'Unacceptable' Fan Behavior Before Euro 2020 Final
Jul 12, 2021
Italy's team celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the Euro 2020 soccer championship final between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Michael Regan/Pool via AP)
The English Football Association announced Monday that it was investigating fan behavior from Sunday's European Championship final between England and Italy at London's Wembley Stadium:
A number of people without tickets to the event rushed through the first stadium security checkpoint before the start of the match. Wembley was briefly locked down after the incident and additional security was called in to remove the trespassers.
We witnessed this and I stepped away just in time. If this is even crossing your mind, don’t. You don’t get far. Please don’t ruin it for everyone at Wembley. pic.twitter.com/CoNx4U4CHb
New from Wembley Stadium spokesperson: "There was a breach of security and a small group of people got into the stadium. We are now working closely with stadium stewards and security to remove these people. Anyone inside the stadium without a ticket will be instantly ejected."
Per James Olley of ESPN, "Unconfirmed reports suggested scuffles had broken out on the concourse and fans with legitimate tickets were arriving to find people already occupying their seats, triggering confrontations with stewards."
Saka, Rashford, Sancho Targets of Racist Abuse Online After England's Euro 2020 Loss
Jul 12, 2021
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Bukayo Saka of England looks dejected after receiving his runners up medal following defeat in the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga - Pool/Getty Images)
England stars Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho have been the targets of racist abuse on social media in the wake of the Three Lions' defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020 on Sunday.
The trio took and missed England's final three penalties to seal Italy's triumph, which caused the flood of racist messages their way:
Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford being racially abused on social media. And this is why #ENG players will continue to take a knee. Also, Twitter and Instagram have to be quicker and stronger to stop these hate crimes on their platforms.
According to The Athletic, some of the messages included the monkey emoji. Monkey chants have historically been an issue for the sport around the world.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rashford was one of the most visible footballers in the world through his charitable endeavors. He received an MBE for his efforts. According to The Athletic, a mural of Rashford "has been vandalised with graffiti after England lost."
The Athletic added that "Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation after the 'racially aggravated damage' was reported to officers in the early hours of Monday morning."
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 12: Bin bags cover offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of a cafe on Copson Street, Withington on July 12, 2021 in Manchester, England. Rashford and other Black players on England's national football team have been the target of racist abuse, largely on social media, after the team's loss to Italy in the UEFA European Football Championship last night. England manager Gareth Southgate, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and the Football Association have issued statements condemning the abuse. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
The Twitter account for England's national teams wrote, "We're disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game."
The Football Association also said it "strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media."
England manager Gareth Southgate's approach to the penalty shootout will likely be analyzed for some time.
Rashford and Sancho entered the match in the 120th minute, with Southgate clearly planning for the shootout. Neither player had much time to get comfortable, though, before they were both thrust into the spotlight. Likewise, having 19-year-old Saka, who had just eight senior caps to his name, take such a pivotal penalty was a bit of a head-scratcher.
What followed on social media was largely predictable and disappointing at the same time:
Thoughts with Rashford, Sancho and Saka. All three were put in difficult situation and probably shouldn’t have been, but were brave enough to take penalties. Absolutely not their fault and horrific to think of racial abuse they will be subjected to tonight.
Throughout the tournament, Saka's exuberance symbolized an energetic England squad that didn't seem to be carrying the burden of past disappointments at major tournaments.
Sancho was somewhat anonymous at Euro 2020 but has been one of the best Englishmen abroad for the past few seasons.
Together, they could potentially be key players in the national team for years to come.
England Fined €30,000 for Laser Pointer, Fan Disturbances vs. Denmark at Euro 2021
Jul 10, 2021
England's forward Harry Kane (L) shoots and scores a penalty kick during the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium in London on July 7, 2021. (Photo by Andy Rain / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
UEFA announced Saturday that England's
Football Association was fined €30,000 for three violations by
supporters during the Three Lions' Euro 2020 semifinal win over
Denmark on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium in London.
"The UEFA Control Ethics and
Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has decided to fine the English Football
Association €30,000 for the use of laser pointer, disturbances
during the national anthems and setting of fireworks," the
governing body said in a statement, per ESPN.
Images showed Denmark goalkeeper Kasper
Schmeichel with a laser pointer being flashed toward his eyes as
England's Harry Kane prepared to take a penalty kick in extra time.
Schmeichel made the initial save, but Kane fired home the rebound to
give his side a 2-1 lead it held until the final whistle.
it’s a total disgrace that someone flashed a green laser in the face of Kasper Schmeichel last night. England football fans really let the country down sometimes 😤 pic.twitter.com/UoEz8Ed3ms
The Leicester City star said the laser
didn't impact his vision during the penalty, but noted it happened
earlier in the match, as well.
"I did not experience it on the
penalty kick because it was behind me on my right side. But I did
experience it in the second half," Schmeichel told reporters. "I
told the referee. And he went to say something to the other
officials."
England fans were also heard booing the
Danish national anthem before kickoff and set off fireworks outside the stadium during the semifinal fixture, per ESPN.
Wembley Stadium will also host Sunday's
final between England and Italy.
Paul MacInnes of The Guardian
reported an estimated 67,000 fans are expected inside the stadium for
the Euro 2020 championship match, including 1,000 Italian fans given
clearance to enter the country despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
England is seeking its first European
Championship and its first major title since the 1966 World Cup.
