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World Cup 2014: England's possible route to glory - taking in Spain, Germany and Brazil

We take a look at the path Roy Hodgson's side would likely take to the final in Rio

Simon Rice
Friday 06 December 2013 19:36 GMT
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An aerial view of the Christ The Redeemer statue (F) and the venue for the final - the Maracana Stadium
An aerial view of the Christ The Redeemer statue (F) and the venue for the final - the Maracana Stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

After today's draw in which England were placed in the 'Group of Death' against Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica, the odds on Roy Hodgson's side winning the tournament quickly lengthened.

Not only do they face an incredibly tough group - but the possible path to the final at the Maracana looks just as daunting.

If England were to win Group D, they would most likely play Ivory Coast or Japan in Recife. Next up would probably be a quarter-final against holders Spain in Salvador. If they somehow negotiated their way past Andres Iniesta and Xavi, they would then play Germany, who beat them at Wembley last month, in the semi-finals. If the Three Lions roar into the final, Brazil would be awaiting.

If England do make it out of Group D - it's more likely it will be as runners-up considering the strength of opposition they're up against. Colombia are the favourites to win Group C so they would await in the Last 16 stage. A match against Brazil in Fortaleza would be next, before Argentina and Lionel Messi in the semi-finals. If they escaped Belo Horizonte with a victory, it would just be the small matter of Spain in the final.

WORLD CUP 2014 INTERACTIVE GUIDE: The groups, fixtures, route to the final, venues and past winners

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