"Croatia are the highest-ranked potential Pot 2 opponents (10th) and reached the final and the semi-finalis at the past two World Cups respectively but, with a maximum of two European teams in each group, drawing them would eliminate for England the possibility of facing Erling Haaland's Norway, who are in Pot 3, or Italy, who are in Pot 4, if the four-time champions get through the playoffs in March."
"On rankings the worst-case scenario would be Croatia, Panama and Jordan, working on the basis of qualified teams. DR Congo, who are in the playoffs, are the highest-ranked potential Pot 4 team from outside Europe. Ghana could be the trickiest non-European opponents in that pot but it is worth noting that Cape Verde, another Pot 4 team and ranked four places higher, beat them at the Africa Cup of Nations last year."
Croatia are the highest-ranked potential Pot 2 opponents and reached the World Cup final and semi-final at the past two tournaments. A maximum of two European teams per group means drawing Croatia would prevent England from facing Norway or Italy if Italy qualify through playoffs. Worst-case ranking scenario for England would be Croatia, Panama and Jordan. DR Congo are the highest-ranked potential Pot 4 team from outside Europe, while Ghana could be the trickiest non-European Pot 4 opponent though Cape Verde beat Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay are notable Pot 2 teams.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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