FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Can England end 56 years of hurt?

It's been an era of 'nearly moments' for the Three Lions. The international side lost out to Croatia in Moscow, followed by a devastating penalty loss to Italy last year in the Euro 2020 final. Their female counterparts brought football home this summer by beating Germany in the final of Euro 2022. A repeat of that success will be crucial for the men's team. There is no doubt that the squad is talented and motivated. They just need to make the final step and get the trophy.

Attending the Qatar World Cup is a unique opportunity for all teams, including England's players. As the tournament takes place in the middle of the domestic league season, their Premier League-heavy squad will be in peak physical condition and match sharpness rather than entering it at the end of a busy season, as is usual.

England's group games/route to Lusail

England is the top seed in Group B and is joined by the USA, Iran and fellow' home nation', Wales. As the group stage progresses, each will present different challenges for England. Iran are a brand new opponent at this senior level, as the nations have never played each other in a competitive setting before.

The World Cup in South Africa was the last time England and the USA played a competitive match.

Ex-Everton and LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan was in the US Men's National Team squad that summer, and he feels this England side is a much different proposition to the one he faced in 2010. Still, despite being heavy favourites and even going a goal up after four minutes, the side led by Fabio Capello could only manage a 1-1 draw in Rustenburg.

"In my opinion, over the last few years, what England has become under Gareth has been really impressive," revealed Donovan.

"They don't look like a typical