The draw for the European qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been made.
England have been paired with Poland, Hungary, Albania, Andorra and San Marino in Group I of qualifying.
Robert Lewandowski's side are expected to provide the sternest test to Gareth Southgate's men, with Poland infamously knocking the Three Lions out of World Cup qualifying for the 1974 edition of the competition.
Defending champions France have been tasked a tricky group that includes Ukraine and a Finland team that recently beat Les Bleus in friendly action.
Belgium, the No.1 team on the FIFA Ranking, will face Wales, Czech Republic, Belarus and Estonia.
Group G looked the most competitive pool. Netherlands will start as favourites but must face the likes of Turkey and Norway to reach Qatar.
2022 WORLD CUP: EUROPEAN QUALIFYING GROUPS
GROUP A
Teams |
Portugal |
Serbia |
Ireland |
Luxembourg |
Azerbaijan |
GROUP B
Teams |
Spain |
Sweden |
Greece |
Georgia |
Kosovo |
GROUP C
Teams |
Italy |
Switzerland |
Northern Ireland |
Bulgaria |
Lithuania |
GROUP D
Teams |
France |
Ukraine |
Finland |
Bosnia Herzegovina |
Kazakhstan |
GROUP E
Teams |
Belgium |
Wales |
Czech Republic |
Belarus |
Estonia |
GROUP F
Teams |
Denmark |
Austria |
Scotland |
Israel |
Faroe Islands |
Moldova |
GROUP G
Teams |
Netherlands |
Turkey |
Norway |
Montenegro |
Latvia |
Gibraltar |
GROUP H
Teams |
Croatia |
Slovakia |
Russia |
Slovenia |
Cyprus |
Malta |
GROUP I
Teams |
England |
Poland |
Hungary |
Albania |
Andorra |
San Marino |
GROUP J
Teams |
Germany |
Romania |
Iceland |
North Macedonia |
Armenia |
Liechtenstein |
So who can qualify?
When it comes to the European qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar, Europe will send 13 countries.
Of the 13 nations, 10 qualifying spots will go to the nations that finish first in their group and therefore win it.
There will then be a play-off between the 10 group runners-up, along with the two best Nations League groups winners that were unfortunate enough to not finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group.
These 12 nations then face off in the play-off competition, which will consist of semi-finals and finals and then provide three additional winners that will qualify for the competition.
When are the games?
March 2021: Matchday 1-3
September 2021: Matchday 4-6
October 2021: Matchday 7-8
November 2021: Matchday 9-10
March 2022: Playoffs