Permutations England’s route from here ...

Thursday

If England beat Belgium in Kaliningrad, they will win the group; if they lose, they will progress as runners-up. If the game ends in a draw, the sides will be level on points, goal difference and goals scored, meaning top spot will go to the side with a better disciplinary record (England currently have two yellow cards to Belgium’s three); if this is also level, lots will be drawn.

Last 16

If England win group: Rostov, Monday (7pm)

England would meet the runners-up in Group H, which could be any of Japan, Senegal or Colombia.

If England finish runnersup: Moscow, Tuesday (7pm)

England would meet winners of Group H, which could be any of Japan, Senegal or Colombia.

Quarter-finals

If England win group: July 6, Kazan (7pm) The most likely opponents for England would be either Brazil (assuming they win Group E) or Germany (if they finish runners-up in Group F).

If England finish runnersup: July 7, Samara (3pm)

The most likely opponents would be either Mexico (assuming they win Group F), or Switzerland (assuming they finish runnersup in Group E).

Although the easier route would appear to be as runners-up in Group G, manager Gareth Southgate might want to remember how the decision by Roy Hodgson to rest six first-team players in England’s final Euro 2016 group game against Slovakia backfired.

England could only draw 0-0, lost crucial momentum and lost to Iceland in the round of 16.