Wales to face England if they make it to World Cup
Wales will face England, USA and Iran in this year’s World Cup if they can win their June play-off final.
The draw took place in Doha last night, with Rob Page’s side potentially taking on England at a major tournament for the second time in six years.
The two sides met at Euro 2016, with Wales losing 2-1 but progressing from the group as leaders ahead of England and going on to reach thge semi-finals.
Wales will fancy their chances of progressing from Group B though, with Iran currently ranked 21st in the world and USA 15th. Wales are 18th.
Page’s men, of course, are not there yet, with a June play-off against either Scotland or Ukraine at Cardiff City Stadium deciding their fate. If successful, it will be Wales’ first appearance at a World Cup since 1958. When the draw was made, Page said of the potential clash with England on November 29: “It is a mouth-watering tie. Scotland will be thinking the same, but our full focus is on getting there.”
England boss Gareth Southgate told BBC Sport: “The first two teams (USA and Iran) we have not played for quite a while and the third is unknown, but throws up a possible British derby - and we know what they are all about.
“In this situation all our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when this tie is played and how that is played out is irrelevant really.
“It’s for the rest of us to adapt and adjust and provide them with the opportunity to play as and when they are able to.”
USA boss Gregg Berhalter added: “With England it’s an exciting matchup, Iran are a diverse opponent who did well in qualifying and then we’ll have to wait to see our third opponent. “We played Wales recently in a friendly, we know Scotland and then you’re pulling for Ukraine naturally because of what’s happening in the country.”
Hosts Qatar will kick off the tournament against Ecuador on November 21, whilst elsewhere Group E pitted two former world champions Spain and Germany against each other. Belgium take on fellow 2018 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia in Group F, while reigning champions France take on Denmark, Tunisia and the winner of intercontinental play-off one, which will be one of Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Peru.
The World Cup draw in full Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Netherlands, Senegal
Group B: England, Iran, USA, Scotland/Wales/Ukraine
Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
France, UAE/Australia Peru, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E: Spain, Costa Rica/New Zealand, Germany, Japan
Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea