England to face China, Denmark and one of Senegal, Haiti or Chile at next year’s women’s World Cup

European champions England will face Denmark, China and either Chile, Senegal or Haiti in their 2023 World Cup group, but face a tough knockout route, with a possible quarter-final against Germany.

Sarina Wiegman’s side avoided a tricky group stage draw against Canada or Brazil, but China and Denmark will not be setbacks. Their tournament will take place in Australia and New Zealand, but due to the England draw, they will only play in Australia.

The Lionesses’ first game will take place in Brisbane on July 22, but they won’t know their opponents until February, when the inter-federation play-offs end. Chile plays against the winners of Senegal or Haiti and the winner of that draw qualifies for the tournament.

England’s second game, arguably their toughest of the group, is against Denmark in Sydney on July 28, before their final game in Adelaide against China on August 1.

Should the Lionesses come out of their group, their round of 16 would be a tie against the winners or runners-up of Group B, which includes co-hosts Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria.

If England lead their group and make progress in the round of 16, they will play against the winners of Group H or the runner-up in Group F.

Sarina Wiegman’s side comes into play as one of the dream teams after summer success

Germany is expected to top Group H while the runners-up to Group F could be Brazil or France. A quarter-final against Germany would be a repeat of the final of the European Championship 2022, which England won 2-1 after extra time.

If they navigate a tricky quarter-final, England would likely play the winners of Group F, France or Brazil, or the winners of Group B, which will likely be Canada in the semi-final.

The United States is on the opposite side of the draw to England, meaning the two teams could meet in the final – if they both make it that far.

The manager was photographed at the draw as part of a delegation sent by the FA on Saturday

There are logistical advantages for England in Group D, especially if they finish at the top. Less travel would be required for the knockout stage as all their matches would be in Sydney, including the final. It will also be an easier route for fans traveling for the tournament.

Elsewhere in the draw, the Republic of Ireland will play Australia, Canada and Nigeria. This will be the country’s first major tournament after beating Scotland in the play-offs to qualify earlier this month.

The 2019 World Cup final in Group E will be repeated, with the United States taking on the Netherlands. The US is the two-time reigning champion and is going for an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup.

FULL DRAWING:

GROUP A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland

GROUP B: Australia, Ireland, Nigeria, Canada

GROUP C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan

GROUP D: England, Group B play-off winner (Chile, Senegal or Haiti), Denmark, China

GROUP E: United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Group A play-off winner (Portugal, Cameroon or Thailand)

GROUP F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Group C play-off winner (Paraguay, Panama, Chinese Taipei or Papua New Guinea)

GROUP G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina

GROUP H: Germany, Morocco, Colombia, South Korea