The 21st FIFA World Cup Finals were awarded to Russia on 2 December 2010.

In October 2007, FIFA ended its continental rotation policy. Instead countries that are members of the same confederation as either of the last two tournament hosts are ineligible. By March 2009, eight countries, with Russia being the last, declared an interest in hosting the 2018 World Cup, after England, joint bids from Belgium and the Netherlands and Spain and Portugal. Mexico and Indonesia withdrew their bids early in the process.

England received two votes in the first round and were thus knocked out at the first hurdle. Netherlands/Belgium received 4, Spain/Portugal 7 and Russia 9. The second round saw the same placings, with Russia taking both of the votes England had, as well as two more from the Netherlands/Belgium bid.

The Draw

The Build-Up

1 December 2017: Diego Maradona picks out England from the second pot and puts them in Group G with Belgium. Diego Forlan gave them fourth position in the group. Tunisia and Panama follow from their respective pots.

12 June: The England squad checked in to the forRestMix Club Hotel in the small spa village of Repino on the Gulf of Finland.

13 June: England held an open training session at the Spartak Zelenogorsk Stadium to invited guests. Marcus Rashford, who had picked up a knee injury in a practice match at St. George's Park, the day before the flight to Russia, sat out the session. Eric Dier trained with strapping on his leg.

14 June: Rashford again sat out training. Although not considered serious, it seemed likely that Raheem Sterling would start the opening game against Tunisia, instead of Rashford.

"Southgate has come in with the mentality [that if you] play with freedom, play without fear, you will enjoy your time more," Lingard said. "So that is what we are going to do - enjoy our football, play with no fear and play exciting football at the same time." - The Times

15 June: Rashford joined the squad in training and was reported to be moving well. Raheem Sterling, meanwhile, revealed that he had been studying videos of Tunisia's warm-up games.

16 June: Gareth Southgate revealed his starting eleven against Tunisia to the players.

"Our first aim is to get out of the group and I have to focus on the controllables within that; so, preparing properly, making sure the team are ready, which I believe they are, and we're gonna enjoy the journey." - Gareth Southgate on ITV

17 June: England held a final training session in Repino, before heading to Volgograd...

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
Belgium	3	3	0	0	9	2	+7	9	5
England	3	2	0	1	8	3	+5	6	2
Tunisia	3	1	0	2	5	8	-3	0	4
Panama	3	0	0	3	2	11	-10	0	11

"PERSISTENCE PAYS AS CLASSY KANE HEADER EARNS DESERVED WIN
"England had to work so hard for this victory, and lacked imagination at times to break down a well organised Tunisia defence.
"...persistent grappling from Tunisians at set pieces.
"Unconvincing? Yes. But determined? Yes.
"MAN OF THE MATCH: Harry Kane 8/10 - Fell short of emulating Cristiano Ronaldo's exploits but two chances and two goals ensured that he, and England, are up and running." - The Times, 19 June 2018

"A game that should have been won at a canter, was snatched at the death - but thanks to Kane the result cannot be argued with." - Daily Express, 19 June 2018

"Goodness me, it was hard work, at times." - Guy Mowbray, BBC commentator

"PROUD ENGLAND REWARD THOSE WHO KEPT THE FAITH
"...England's supporters now have a group of young men who wear the shirt with pride and play with verve, intelligence and discipline.
"They're playing with a smile, rather than a scowl.
"Panama were poor, guileless and overly physical...
"MAN OF THE MATCH: Jesse Lingard 9/10 - Found scoring touch that eluded him against Tunisia and won Kane's penalty, too. Movement and ability to find space is exceptional." - The Times, 25 June 2018

"...England players hunting in packs, exploiting weaknesses, cruelly picking off Panama blow after blow." - Daily Express, 25 June 2018

"England will have much tougher tests than this to come, but England have passed this one with flying colours." - Guy Mowbray, BBC commentator

"What transpired could not possibly have been forecast by even the most fervent England supporter." - Mike Payne, EnglandFootballOnline.com

"TRICKY JANUZAJ DELIVERS A WAKE-UP CALL
"...England's options are not as deep and rich as believed.
"Belgium's reserves...were patently superior. England lacked creativity through the centre..." - The Times, 29 June 2018

"...our new England were back to being a bunch of enthusiastic but limited footballers missing its cutting edge.
"MAN OF THE MATCH: Gary Cahill 7/10 - His usual reliable self. Cleared one off the line in the first half and then switched to the centre of the three when Stones went off." - Daily Express, 29 June 2018

"Belgium coach Roberto Martinez had admitted "the priority was not to win" but his bench celebrated with gusto when Adnan Januzaj scored."  - World Soccer

"How painful that defeat will prove to be, we will know in a week, hopefully, a week or two's time." - Clive Tyldesley, ITV commentator

"It seemed that something was missing from all areas of England's play, but the bigger picture had to be recognised and it was valuable game time for the players on the fringes." - Mike Payne, EnglandFootballOnline.com