Former England manager Gareth Southgate has identified three countries he believes the Three Lions must avoid as the 2026 World Cup draw approaches on Friday.
The Three Lions qualified for the tournament with a perfect record, winning all their matches without conceding a goal, and although many observers believe they had an easy group, Southgate has warned that the challenge will become much tougher at the World Cup.
He identified Japan, Colombia and Scotland as the teams England should avoid in the group stage, noting that “a side like Japan would be a very tough game.”
He added that Colombia would also be a difficult opponent, recalling their 2018 meeting and noting that the huge number of Colombian fans expected in the U.S. or Mexico would create an intense atmosphere. Southgate further explained that, although England have a strong record against Scotland, the rivalry carries its own pressure, as a loss would be something figures like Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Sir Alex Ferguson “would talk about for decades.”
