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Former England manager Gareth Southgate has identified three countries that his team should steer clear of ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday.
The Three Lions secured their spot in the tournament without conceding a single goal, winning all their qualifying matches.
While many analysts suggested that England was placed in an easy group, Southgate has indicated that the competition could become more challenging at the World Cup.
He mentioned Japan, Colombia, and Scotland as teams they should avoid in the group stages.
Southgate stated: “I believe that facing a team like Japan would be a very difficult match.
“Colombia, whom we encountered in 2018, will bring a significant number of fans to the games in the United States or Mexico, creating an incredible atmosphere!”
“As for Scotland, we have a solid record against them, but there's always the concern that if we were to lose, figures like [Kenny] Dalglish, [Graeme] Souness, and [Sir Alex] Ferguson would remind us of it for decades!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Gareth Southgate want to avoid certain teams?
Southgate believes that teams like Japan, Colombia, and Scotland would present significant challenges during the group stages of the World Cup.
How did England qualify for the World Cup?
England qualified for the tournament by winning all their qualifying matches without conceding a single goal.
What impact would Colombian fans have at the World Cup?
The presence of Colombian fans in the United States or Mexico would create a vibrant and exciting atmosphere during the matches.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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