World Cup draw 2018 - live updates: Reaction after England land Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G
Latest reaction from the draw in Moscow after the Three Lions learned their fate
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Your support makes all the difference.The 2018 World Cup draw has taken place, with the 32 nations that have qualified for next summer’s tournament in Russia now knowing who they must beat if they are to become world champions.
We have all the latest reaction from Moscow, where our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney is in place inside the Kremlin State Place.
England were in pot two for the draw because of their middling Fifa world ranking – but Gareth Southgate’s side avoided any of the tournament favourites and instead will face Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G.
Follow all of the latest below.
All you need to know:
When is it?
The draw for the group stages of the 2018 World Cup will be held at 3pm GMT on Friday 1st December, in Moscow. It will take place at the Kremlin.
Where can I watch it?
The draw will be shown live on Sky Sports or alternatively you can follow The Independent’s live blog to find out which group your country will be allocated into.
Who is in it?
The teams qualified are:
Uefa (Europe): Russia (hosts) France, Portugal, Germany, Serbia, Poland, England, Spain, Belgium, Iceland, Switzerland, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark
Conmebol (South America): Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Peru.
Concacaf (North/Central America and Caribbean): Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama
AFC (Asia): Iran Football, South Korea Football, Japan Football, Saudi Arabia
CAF (Africa): Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt
Best of the rest
Spain:
Manager: Julen Lopetegui
Star player: Isco
Preferred system: 4-5-1
Odds: 15-2
Colombia
Manager: Jose Pekerman
Star player: Radamel Falcao
Preferred system: 4-2-3-1
Odds: 50-1
Croatia
Manager: Zlatko Dalic
Star player: Luka Modric
Preferred system: 4-2-3-1
Odds: 25-1
Uruguay
Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Star player: Luis Suarez
Preferred system: 4-4-2
Odds: 40-1
Which brings us to the question of England...
Let's not beat about the bushel, Gareth Southgate's men aren't going to win in Russia next summer. Despite the achievements of our younger sides on the international side, the senior team is not yet the finished article. From our psychological weaknesses to an apparent lack of creative thrust from our central midfield unit, England are missing the necessary attributes needed to reach the latter stages of this competition.
The reality of the issue marks a stark contrast to England's record on paper. Amazingly, the side have not lost a qualifying match for any major competition since October 2009. It's an impressive run, stretching 39 games, which has seen three separate managers take charge of the reins during that time. But as was the case in France last year, or Brazil three years ago, it matters for very little.
Still, there are reasons to be optimistic. Southgate's familiarity with the England set-up, as well as the players he's seen rise through the ranks to the senior squad, means this is a team that trusts its manager. It's also a side brimming with youthful potential. From Dele Alli and Harry Kane to John Stones and Raheem Sterling, England have the ability to compete and push the game's best to their limits. There's a sense, hopefully, that this tournament could lay the foundations for a genuinely impressive England team, over the next 6 years or so, to bring home the bacon.
First, though, all eyes on the ball(s).
It's time for the 2018 World Cup draw. Hold on to your hats.
Southgate wants to break down club cliques
A veteran of the 1998 World Cup and two European Championships, Gareth Southgate is keen to break down club-based cliques. He is also a big admirer of how rugby union's British and Irish Lions have used player committees to enforce team discipline.
When asked about recent comments made by former England stars Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard on how club rivalries had caused problems on international duty, Southgate said it was something he had experienced, too, but hoped to overcome.
"The club rivalry will always exist but I think we have a different situation where a lot more of our players have grown up not only playing together through the under-21s, but even in age groups before that.
"There is a really tight feel and St George's Park has helped that so I do think we have a different situation with this talented squad than they were in."
Okay, folks, here's a reminder of the pots:
Pot 1:
- Russia (hosts)
- Germany (1)
- Brazil (2)
- Portugal (3)
- Argentina (4)
- Belgium (5)
- Poland (6)
- France (7)
Pot 2:
- Spain (8)
- Peru (10)
- Switzerland (11)
- England (12)
- Colombia (13)
- Mexico (16)
- Uruguay (17)
- Croatia (18)
Pot 3:
- Denmark (19)
- Iceland (21)
- Costa Rica (22)
- Sweden (25)
- Tunisia (28)
- Egypt (30)
- Senegal (32)
- Iran (34)
Pot 4:
- Serbia (38)
- Nigeria (41)
- Australia (43)
- Japan (44)
- Morocco (48)
- Panama (49)
- South Korea (62)
- Saudi Arabia (63)
President Putin is currently giving his address to those assembled in the Kremlin State Palace Hall.
He's come out with with some, er, interesting lines so far. The Russian has promised a "major sporting festival...friendship and fair play".
Take from that what you will, friends.
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