World Cup 2018 draw recap as England land Belgium in Group G with first game against Tunisia in Volgograd

Here are the groups for next summers tournament.

See you in Russia!

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UruguayGroup B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, IranGroup C: France, Australia Peru, DenmarkGroup D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, NigeriaGroup E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, SerbiaGroup F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South KoreaGroup G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, EnglandGroup H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

Le Saux was speaking to Betfair

England v Belgium - Thursday, June 28

Both teams would expect to go into the contest with two wins from as many games and one of Brazil or Germany will probably be quarter-final opponents no matter who tops the group.

Therefore, a chance to have a warm-up against one of the best teams in Russia could be invaluable for Gareth Southgates men. Premier League stars Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku will give England a measure of where they stand against the best.

But if the game has qualification at stake for either team, it becomes perhaps the biggest game of the entire group stage.

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(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Denmark v France - Tuesday, June 26

European heavyweights France are expected to go far in the tournament. But that could depend on the outcome of their final group game.

France should see off Australia and Peru comfortably enough, but if Denmark do as well it would create a play-off to top the group.

With the runners-up in Group C taking on the Group D winners - likely to be Argentina - this would be a must-win game. France may have to beat the likes of Argentina to lift the trophy, but if they slip up to Christian Eriksens dangerous Danes, they might be meeting them much earlier than anticipated.

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(Image: REUTERS)

Argentina v Iceland - Saturday, June 16

Iceland became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament and they could barely have been given a more glamorous opening.

Two-time winners Argentina boast Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala in their ranks and will give Iceland an early test of their capabilities on the world stage.

They surprised many at Euro 2016, knocking out England before falling to hosts France in the quarter-finals, and could land an early blow on Argentina, who needed some Messi magic in their final group stage qualifier to scrape qualification.

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(Image: REUTERS)

Portugal v Spain - Friday, June 15

If the opening game does not whet the appetite, this match up on day two will. European champions Portugal take on Iberian neighbours Spain for just the second time at the finals.

The first meeting happened in 2010, when a David Villa goal secured a 1-0 win for Spain in the second round. Spain went on to lift the trophy that year, something Portugal have never managed.

And if Cristiano Ronaldo and company taking on David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Marco Asensio does not excite, then maybe the World Cup is not for you.

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(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Russia v Saudi Arabia - Thursday, June 14

The host team feature in the opening game and, while it is not the most appealing fixture on paper, the first match is always one to watch. Saudi Arabia are the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament - and Russia are the lowest.

They both lie behind the likes of Haiti, China and Albania in FIFAs rankings, but whoever wins this game will fancy their chances of making the knockout rounds.

That should guarantee a good atmosphere at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and, hopefully, an entertaining contest.

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Fedor Smolov jumps for joy after scoring Russia's third(Image: AFP)

Panama boss Hernan Dario Gomez has claimed England do not have any players who frighten him.Gomez also took a cheeky dig at England by claiming they are on the same level as Wales after sharing a 1-1 draw in Cardiff last month.Panama are ranked 56th in the FIFA rankings and are playing in their first ever World Cup and Gomez managed Colombia at the 1998 finals when they played England.Former Colombian international Gomez, 61, said: For me, the only truly dangerous player in the world is Messi. They all have good players,Belgium, England.We have played Wales [a few weeks ago, a 1-1 draw] who are more or less the same style. We also played against Iran, who are like Tunisia. We have knowledge of what well come up against.Here with Panama, were very happy with this group because thats why weve come - to play the big teams, the big names, Belgium, England and Tunisia. I drew both England and Tunisia in France [1998 with Colombia], so happy.I watched Englands last match with Germany, good. Young. A young team, thats recently been renovated. Organised. Practical.Panama is currently at a point of learning, of progressing, its a high level for Panama and we have to get a lot better but thats why weve come isnt it? To play against the big names.I havent come here to play against the same sides. We want to face sides that show you, that educate you. Its a World Cup. Panama is preparing for exactly this.

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CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 14: Wales manager Chris Coleman reacts as Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez (c) celebrates his sides last minute goal during the International Friendly match between Wales and Panama at Cardiff City Stadium on November 14, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)(Image: Stu Forster)

Tunisia boss Nabil Maaloul insists his players can cause a major upset against England.They are ranked 27th in the world and England beat them in France 98 but Maaloul believes his squad will be vying with England for second place behind Belgium.Maaloul, who also works as a TV pundit for beIN Sports, said: I cover the English Premier League every week and I am lucky to know all of the players.On paper England and Belgium are favourites in this group. We will try to win our game and show the football public what Tunisia are capable of. That is the most important thing. I am very confident. I know we can get through the first round.We know the England team have improved massively with the new coach, and Belgium also have improved too. We have a chance. On paper Belgium are favourites in the group but second place will be contested by the Tunisia team and England.For me, the best team are Belgium, they are the Group favourites. They have a lot of players who play in England and they are currently playing really well for a lot of clubs in England, so they are favourites and second place is between Tunisia and England.I hope it wont be the same scenario as in 1998. I hope well have a very different scenario for the Tunisia team. But it is also true that England have improved massively this year under the new coach.I think we are capable of competing with this England team and capable of beating them.England is a team who are young, whove play exceptional football in the last few years and have exceptional players too. But I think the Tunisia players are capable of winning.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Herve Renard, Manager of Morocco shake hands with Nabil Maaloul, Manager of Tunisia during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty Images)(Image: Matthias Hangst)

Our man John Cross was at the Kremlin this afternoon and hes give us his snap judgement on Englands draw in Group G:

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England looks on during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: Lars Baron - FIFA)

England have a good record against their Group G opponents.

Their only defeat in 23 games against Belgium came all the way back in 1936, with the Italia 90 last-16 extra-time win a highlight.

Theyve only faced Tunisia twice, a friendly draw in 1990 and a win against them in the 1998 World Cup.

England have yet to face Panama, giving them a record of 25 games and only one loss against their Group G foes.

[Paul Gascoigne celebrates during the World Cup second round match against Belgium. England won the match 1-0 after extra time.]

Paul Gascoigne celebrates during the World Cup second round match against Belgium. England won the match 1-0 after extra time.(Image: Dave Cannon/Allsport/Getty)

More from the England boss here:

Theres a bit of travelling, but having the six-day break between games might help any injuries clear up, he told the BBC. Youre always grateful for as much prep as possible.

Travel wise, the way tournaments are now youve got to be adaptable, but our kick-off times are decent as well.

Its been great today to mix with more experienced coaches. Its nice to have a fresh challenge.

When youre trying to qualify, you dont think about days like today but thats the beauty of the World Cup. When you look at old videos and goals it takes you back to the pureness of football. Now, the country knows whats coming and they can get excited.

I was proud to play for my country, and to lead my country is beyond that. Im really looking forward to it.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England looks on during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA)

Roberto Martinez knows England like the back if his hand and will face the Three Lions as Belgium boss.

I lived for 21 years in England so it is very special. Its the World Cup, we have a challenging draw, lots of travelling, he said.

We are looking forward to it. We have a really good group of players, 25 players are now in the British game so are very well known. They have important roles in important teams and they enjoy playing for their country.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England speaks to Roberto Martinez, Manager of Belgium during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: FIFA via Getty)

Gareth Southgate has been talking to the BBC following the draw.

Remembering the Tunisia game in 1998, it was the first thing that went through my mind, said the England boss. It was a fantastic day and its nice to be able to relive that.

We havent done as much preparing on the African teams yet so now thats what we can focus in on.

He was also asked about Panama: Weve been good at writing teams off and then getting beat. Weve got to be prepared for every game.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England speaks to the media after the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: Lars Baron - FIFA)

The bookies have reacted to the draw by shifting a fair few odds.

England are in from 25s to 16/1, simply due to who theyve been pitted again. .

The Three Lions have been handed a favourable draw with familiar faces Belgium, the weakest African side, Tunisia, and the weakest Central American side, Panama.

Betfairs Barry Orr explains: England have been the big movers. They were 25/1 post draw but are now just 16/1.

Pre-draw we couldnt separate Germany & Brazil at the top of the market and its still the same.

• 5/1 Joint-favourites: Brazil & Germany
• 6/1: France
• 15/2: Spain
• 8/1: Argentina
• 12/1: Belgium
• 16/1: England
• 25/1: Portugal, Colombia
• 28/1: Croatia
• 33/1 Russia, Uruguay

http://nat-cms10.mirror.co.uk:8080/webservice/escenic/content/11621933

For Three Lions fans of a certain age, one England versus Belgium match stands above all others in the memory bank.

Way back in 1990, when John Barnes was rapping along with New Order and you were never more than five feet away from a shellsuit, the pair met in the last-16.

A cagey affair was goalless going into the last minute of extra-time before 24-year-old Aston Villa midfielder David Platt fired a volley home to set up a quarter-final against Cameroon.

[England's David Platt, 1990]

England's David Platt, 1990(Image: Getty)

Heres the skinny on World Cup debutants Pamana...

Manager: Hernan Dario Gomez

Star man: Gabriel Torres

Record vs England: Never played

Tournament odds: 1000/1

How they qualified: Panama have been edging closer to reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in recent tournaments and crossed the line this time thanks to a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in their final qualifier.

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(Image: AFP)

Heres Tunisia...

Manager: Nabil Maaloul

Star man: Wahbi Khazri

Record vs England: Played 2, lost 1, drew 1

Tournament odds: 500/1

How they qualified: After appearing at three consecutive finals without winning a single group game, Tunisia missed the last two editions. Unbeaten in qualifying, they defeated DR Congo to Russia by a point, with a last-round draw against Libya proving enough for a squad compromised largely of Tunisia-based players.

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(Image: AFP)

Right, lets run through Englands three Group G opponents, starting with Belgium...

Manager: Roberto Martinez

Star man: Eden Hazard

Record vs England: Played 21- won 1, drew 5, lost 15

Tournament odds: 12/1

How they qualified: Unbeaten in qualifying, Belgiums hugely talented squad will be hoping to build on their quarter-final appearance four years ago having reached the same stage at Euro 2016.

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(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Heres a quick guide to the stadiums England will playing at as they make their way through Group G...

Volgograd (Volgograd Arena) vs Tunisia, June 18

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Volgograd Arena stadium on August 22(Image: AFP)

Capacity: 45,568

The city formerly known as Stalingrad, site of one of World War Twos most pivotal battles, is now an industrial hub home to one million inhabitants.

The stadium is built on the site of the old Central ground and will house Rotor Volgograd once the finals are over.

Nizhny Novgorod (Nizhny Novgorod Stadium) vs Panama, June 24

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Nizhny Novgorod Stadium(Image: AFP)

Capacity: 45,331

Built on hills overlooking the Volga river, Nizhny Novgorod has been an important commercial city since the 19th century.

One of the new constructions, it will be home to Olympiets Nizhny Novgorod once the finals are over.

Kaliningrad (Kaliningrad Stadium) vs Belgium, June 28

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Kaliningrad Stadium(Image: AFP)

Capacity: 35,212

The most westerly city to host games. Situated on the Baltic coast, it remains an important Russian seaport.

The stadium has been built for the finals, but will be home to FC Baltika Kaliningrad afterwards.

Read more on them all here.

Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has taken to Twitter following the draw which sees his country of birth pitted against his country of residence.

So thats going to be an awkward one at home, hes said.

Off my top of my head, here are the best group games. Plan your holiday accordingly...

• Portugal vs Spain: Friday 15th June, 7pm
• Argentina vs Croatia: Thursday 21st June, 7pm
• Serbia vs Brazil: Wednesday 27th June, 7pm
• Germany vs Sweden: Saturday 23rd June, 4pm
• England vs Belgium: Thursday 28th June, 7pm

Plenty to get our teeth into in this group stage draw though...

If England make it through the group (and they didnt last time, remember), they will face a side from Group H in the last-16.

So thats Poland, Senegal, Colombia or Japan.

Could be worse, couldnt it?

Come on everyone, lets start getting carried away then...

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Draw assistant, Fabio Cannavaro draws South Korea during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)(Image: Shaun Botterill)

Theres always a group of death.

And in this case it looks like Group D is the one to avoid.

Argentina will be pitted against Nigeria, Iceland and Croatia, with all four teams surely fancying their chances.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Presenter, Gary Lineker and presenter, Maria Komandnaya looks on during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA)

The World Cup will kick off with Russia vs Saudi Arabia on Thursday June 14.

Not the most blockbuster of beginnings, but you never know.

The hosts are currently the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, but will fancy their chances of getting out of Group A.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Draw assistant, Diego Maradona reacts during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA)

Heres when are where England will be playing.

Southgates men kick off against Tunisia, before facing Panama and ending the group with a tricky clash against Belgium.

• Monday June 18, 7pm - Tunisia vs England - Volgograd
• Sunday June 24, 1pm - England vs Panama - Novgorod
• Thursday June 28, 7pm - England vs Belgium - Saransk

All work-friendly times, which is a bonus.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 01: Draw assistant, Nikita Simonyan draws Poland during the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the State Kremlin Palace on December 1, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA)