Road to Qatar: how England qualified for World Cup 2022

A look at how Gareth Southgate's side secured their place at this year's finals in the Middle East

Soccer Football - World Cup Qualifiers Europe - Group I - England v San Marino - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - March 25, 2021 England's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates Pool via REUTERS/Adrian Dennis TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

HOW ENGLAND QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group I) March 25, 2021. England 5 (Ward Prowse 14', Calvert-Lewin 21', 53', Sterling 31', Watkins 83'): England began their qualification campaign by brushing aside San Marino at Wembley with substitute Ollie Watkins scoring on his debut. Manager Gareth Southgate said: "Of course, it's an opponent we should beat, but I thought they went about the job really well." Reuters

Gareth Cox

Jun 19, 2022

After reaching the semi-finals and then the final of their previous two major tournaments, England will be hoping to go one better at this year's World Cup in Qatar.

Paul Pogba holds the World Cup trophy after a tournament that saw billions waged in bets. REUTERS

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Gareth Southgate's side reached the last four in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they lost 2-1 to Croatia, and were beaten by Italy in a penalty shoot-out at last year's delayed Euro 2020.

Qualification for this year's global gathering in the Middle East was achieved comfortably as they finished top of Group I, six points clear of second-placed Poland and unbeaten over the course of 10 matches.

The Three Lions smashed in 39 goals along the way, conceding just three, with captain Harry Kane top scoring with six.

In Qatar, they have been drawn in Group B along with Iran, United States and Wales.

In the gallery above, you can see how England qualified for the finals that kick-off on November 20. To view the next image, click on the arrows or just swipe if on a mobile device.