ENGLAND will face the USA, Iran and one of Scotland, Wales or Ukraine in the group-stage of the 2022 World Cup after a favourable-looking draw.
The Three Lions – among the top seeds for the Qatar tournament – were drawn in Group B.
And Gareth Southgate's biggest challenge early in the competition will arguably come from POT 4 – the winner of the European play-offs final.
Wales have already reached the final and will take on the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine – to be played in June, with England forced to wait over two months to find out their final group-stage opponent.
The USA were drawn out of Pot 2, as the Three Lions avoided the likes of Germany, Holland and Uruguay.
England were also paired with Iran from Pot 3.
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The Three Lions have NEVER played Iran but will kick-off their tournament against the nation on November 21.
The USA follow on November 25 before England conclude their group campaign against the European play-offs winner on November 29.
The draw does mean England could come up against France or Argentina as early as the quarter-finals.
But the Three Lions cannot face Brazil or Portugal until the final.
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Elsewhere, Group E appears to be the "group of death" with Spain and Germany draw together, alongside Japan and the winner of Costa Rica or New Zealand.
Southgate and Co are looking to finally end 56 years of hurt having failed to win a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
There have been signs of life in recent years, with Southgate guiding his side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, losing to Croatia after extra-time.
The Three Lions went a step further at Euro 2020 just last summer, reaching the final – only to lose on penalties to Italy, who have failed to qualify for this winter's tournament.
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