How 2022 Shapes Up For England
Last updated : 20 December 2021 By Three Lions
A World Cup year like no other begins soon for the Three Lions after England secured direct qualification for the 2022 tournament without the need for a play-off.
With the competition moved to avoid stifling summer temperatures, it means a long build up for Gareth Southgate with plenty of the runners and riders to be named in his final squad set to experience fluctuating fortunes before then.
The FIFA Calendar has international windows between 21-29 March, 30 May-14 June and 19-27 September.
During the first of these the European play-offs will take place with Scotland and Wales potentially meeting for one of the qualifying places on offer and either Italy or Portugal missing out after they were drawn in the same path.
The UEFA Nations League will begin in the summer with six matchdays being played before the World Cup, England have been drawn alongside Italy, Germany and Hungary ensuring some very competitive tests that will provide the bulk of their preparation for the World Cup itself.
That begins on 21 November, just over one week after the final round of Premier League matches are played.
It ends with the final on 18 December.