How the Three Lions could beat Norway, Argentina and France to win it all
England are three matches away from winning the World Cup — but the route could hardly be tougher. First comes Norway in the quarter-finals, powered by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. If England get through that, Argentina are the most likely semi-final opponent, with Lionel Messi still driving the defending champions forward. Then, in the dream final scenario, France could be waiting: the most complete side left in the tournament and a team stacked with pace, power and knockout pedigree.
For England to win the World Cup, they do not need to be perfect. But they do need to be ruthless, disciplined and tactically flexible. Their most realistic path to glory is not to outscore everyone in chaotic shootouts. It is to control key moments, protect their defensive structure, and rely on their biggest players — Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jordan Pickford — to deliver when the pressure peaks.
The blueprint: control, patience and big-game composure
England’s best route to the trophy is built around three things: midfield authority, defensive concentration and efficiency in the final third.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already shown resilience by beating Mexico 3-2 despite going down to 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s red card. That result proved England can suffer, defend deep and survive tournament chaos. But to go all the way, they must make games feel less chaotic.
England’s most likely winning formula is a controlled 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape, with Rice anchoring midfield, Bellingham given licence to arrive in dangerous areas, and Kane linking play as both scorer and creator. Saka’s one-v-one threat on the right will be vital, while Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze or Noni Madueke could all offer pace and directness depending on the opponent.
The biggest individual responsibility falls on Bellingham. He has already produced decisive moments at this tournament, including two goals against Mexico. If England win the World Cup, he is likely to be at the heart of it.
Quarter-final: How England can beat Norway
..
