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    England boss Gareth Southgate reacts to ‘intriguing’ World Cup draw and refuses to get carried away

    Seb SternikSeb Sternik1 April 2022
    Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England arrives prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Draw at the Doha Exhibition Center on April 01, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

    Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England arrives prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Draw at the Doha Exhibition Center on April 01, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

    England’s quest for their first World Cup crown since 1966 became clearer as the Three Lions discovered their group stage opponents, with manger Gareth Southgate describing the draw as “intriguing".

    Southgate's men will take on Iran, the United States and the winner of the final European play-off tie, which is yet to be scheduled. Scotland, Wales and Ukraine are the three teams still in contention, meaning there is a possibility of an all-British World Cup affair. 

    Looking back at the draw, Southgate underlined the prospect of a British tie, telling the BBC: "The first two teams (Iran and the USA) we have not played for quite a while and the third is unknown but throws up a possible British derby - and we know what they are all about, we've had plenty of them.

    "We're in it on day one, so it's quite clear now what our programme looks like from the end of the Premier League season and getting out here as quickly as possible."
    Considering the Three Lions could've faced the likes of Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia, Uruguay and Poland, many believe that England have been handed a 'dream' draw.

    Despite this, Southgate is not looking past the group stage. When asked about the prospect of playing in the last 16, the England boss said: "Our first objective is to get out of the group, and then we build from there.

    "When you're seeded, you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams. Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get.
    "The USA are an interesting one. I know Gregg Berhalter (USA manager) quite well and had long chats about things. In fact, only a couple of weeks ago.
    "They've got some very good players, and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one."
    With Ukraine still involved in the qualifying stage, there is a possibility the war-torn country could yet take to the field in Qatar.

    Speaking about the prospect of a possible clash against them, Southgate said: "In this situation all our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when this tie is played, and how that is played out, is irrelevant really.

    "It's for the rest of us to adapt and adjust and provide them with the opportunity to play as and when they are able to."
    The 51-year-old was also questioned about the FA's stand on Qatar and whether his side would take any action.
    He said: "We'll continue to speak to people here (Qatar). We've got to build relationships here to be able to highlight any change that we'd like to make. It's important that we do that in the right way. But today my focus is on the draw and just working out what all that means really."
    England's 2022 World Cup campaign will get underway against Iran on November 21.

    READ MORE: 2022 World Cup draw: Dream group for England as Three Lions avoid big hitters

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