World Cup 2018: History suggests England should try to beat Belgium and finish top of Group G
Since the World Cup switched to a last 16 knockout stage at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the eventual champions have always won their group
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England secured a place in the last 16 of the World Cup following an impressive 6-1 victory over Panama in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday.
The Three Lions currently top Group G ahead of the showdown with rivals Belgium in Kaliningrad on Thursday night.
Since the World Cup switched to a last 16 knockout stage at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the eventual champions have always won their group.
Here, we take a look at how the statistics stack up for England's hopes of World Cup glory in Russia...
Mexico '86
Winners: Argentina (1st, Group A)
Runners-up: West Germany (2nd, Group E)
Third: France (2nd, Group C)
Fourth: Belgium (3rd, Group B)
With an initial six-group stage, the best four third-placed teams also progressed. Argentina topped Group A ahead of Italy and Bulgaria. West Germany were runners-up in Group E behind Denmark.
Italia '90
Winners: West Germany (1st, Group D)
Runners-up: Argentina (3rd, Group B)
Third: Italy (1st, Group A)
Fourth: England (1st, Group F)
West Germany advanced undefeated from their group as winners, ahead of Yugoslavia and Colombia. Diego Maradona's team had progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after recovering from the shock defeat by Cameroon at the San Siro in Group B.
USA '94
Winners: Brazil (1st, Group B)
Runners-up: Italy (3rd, Group E)
Third: Sweden (2nd, Group B)
Fourth: Bulgaria (2nd, Group D)
Brazil won their fourth World Cup title having coasted through as Group B winners ahead of Sweden. Italy had to lift themselves following a 1-0 defeat against the Republic of Ireland in New Jersey, eventually edging into the last 16 as one of the best third-placed sides.
France '98
Winners: France (1st, Group C)
Runners-up: Brazil (1st, Group A)
Third: Croatia (2nd, Group H)
Fourth: Holland (1st, Group E)
In a first tournament to feature 32 teams across eight opening groups, hosts France topped Group C with three wins and went on to defeat Brazil in the final - the holders having come through top of Group A after opening with a 2-1 win over Scotland.
South Korea/Japan 2002
Winners: Brazil (1st, Group C)
Runners-up: Germany (1st, Group E)
Third: Turkey (2nd, Group C)
Fourth: South Korea (1st, Group D)
In the first co-hosted World Cup, Brazil went on to become champions again, lifting the trophy for a fifth time, after comfortably progressing as winners of Group C ahead of Turkey. Germany, meanwhile, had topped Group E, with the Republic of Ireland as runners-up.
Germany 2006
Winners: Italy (1st, Group E)
Runners-up: France (2nd, Group G)
Third: Germany (1st, Group A)
Fourth: Portugal (1st, Group D)
Italy delivered a fourth World Cup triumph, winning Group E ahead of Ghana. France progressed to the last 16 as runners-up in Group G, which had been won by Switzerland.
South Africa 2010
Winners: Spain (1st, Group E)
Runners-up: Holland (1st, Group E)
Third: Germany (1st, Group D)
Fourth: Uruguay (1st, Group A)
Spain claimed a first World Cup crown after having lost their first match against Switzerland, but going on to win Group H ahead of Chile. Holland, meanwhile, won all three of their group matches to reach the last 16 with Japan in second place.
Brazil 2014
Winners: Germany (1st, Group G)
Runners-up: Argentina (1st, Group F)
Third: Holland (1st, Group B)
Fourth: Brazil (1st, Group A)
Germany were crowned world champions for the fourth time, reaching the last 16 as group winners ahead of the United States of America. Argentina had also topped their group, with three wins, to qualify with Nigeria in second place.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments