England are through to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup - our reporters have now given their verdict on the Three Lions and who will win the final on July 19th in New York/New JerseyEngland are through to the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds after surviving the opening stage, setting up a Round of 32 clash with DR Congo. Thomas Tuchel’s side currently sit as 7/1 joint third-favourites with bet365 to lift the trophy, tracking just behind France (10/3 and Argentina (4/1). While a five-minute blitz against Panama secured progression, the Three Lions must find their form if they are to navigate a brutal bracket that could feature Mexico at the Azteca, Brazil, and Argentina. We spoke to two of our football writers on the ground in the United States, John Cross and Ryan Taylor, to get their verdicts on England's chances, the primary threats, and who will ultimately walk out at the New York New Jersey Stadium for the final on July 19. The England Verdict: Can the Three Lions go all the way? John Cross: Yes, it is very realistic. They are firmly in the second tier of countries, which gives them a real chance, but not a red-hot one. I think they will go out in the quarter-final stages but they are certainly worth a punt! Ryan Taylor: They will need luck for sure, but they also need to start playing how we know they are capable of. We saw it in spells against Croatia, but since then, they’ve looked rather blunt outside of a goal-laden five-minute spell against Panama. To go all the way, they need Harry Kane to remain fit, Declan Rice to rediscover his form and full fitness, the defence to tighten up majorly, and Reece James to somehow become available again and put his hamstring injury worry firmly to bed. Overcoming DR Congo and then potentially Mexico at the Azteca is hard enough in itself. Should England do that, they could face Brazil and then Argentina before squaring off with France in the final. I feel that’s just too much of an ask, in all honesty. The Primary Threats: Who poses the biggest danger? John Cross: For me, it's Brazil. They are way better than I thought they would be, and they are only going to be stronger with Vinícius Júnior. Argentina are also right up there with Lionel Messi, and just look at Portugal's midfield... Ryan Taylor: France, 100%. Their attack is capable of blowing any team away. Although England can’t play them until the final, I think they would beat England for sure. Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué make up some strike force, and that’s without even discussing their defence and incredible attacking depth. Didier Deschamps is also extra experienced and is driven by the prospect of honouring his late mother with glory. They have always been my tournament favourites. The Surprise Package: Who can upset the big boys? John Cross: did pick Ecuador at the start and that isn't looking too bad. But I also like the look of Portugal. I know they are hardly underdogs, but just look at their midfield, teams may never get the ball back. They have weaknesses and made a slow start, but I just feel they can go a long way. Japan would also be another team to watch; they are catching my eye big time right now. Ryan Taylor: This is a tough one to call. I’ve always liked Morocco and Japan at this tournament, but both are facing exceptionally tough tasks. Because of that, I will go for the USA. They can beat Bosnia and Belgium to reach the quarter-finals, which would be some achievement on home soil. Player of the Tournament: Who will win the Golden Ball? John Cross: Lionel Messi. He's already setting this tournament alight and he's already the story. He's a genius and the greatest of all time. The great thing is that he is a team player; he fits into the team, raises the team, and it's not just about him. Well, it is... but he's the difference-maker. Ryan Taylor: Lionel Messi has been the clear player of the tournament so far, but it will ultimately hinge on who wins the competition. If it’s France, it will be Mbappe or Dembele. If it’s Argentina, it will be Messi. If it’s England, it could be Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane. The Golden Boot: Who will finish as top scorer? John Cross:Erling Haaland. I just feel as if he has got more goals in him—and this striker shoot-out is just fascinating. What a story, and they are all delivering. It's the tournament of the big strikers and it is fabulous. Clearly, this depends on how far Norway go. Ryan Taylor: Lionel Messi. The way he is playing, everything he touches is turning to gold, and Argentina look as though they’ll have a decent run in the knockout stages due to the way the tree has mapped out. Top scorer odds, via bet365: Lionel messi 10/11 Kylian Mbappe 11/4 Osumane Dembele 12/1 Vinicus Jr. 14/1 Harry Kane 14/1 The Final Verdict: July 19 prediction John Cross: France vs. Argentina Ryan Taylor: France vs. Argentina (France win) World Cup Outright Winner Odds, via bet365: France: 10/3 Argentina 4/1 Spain: 7/1 England: 7/1 Portugal: 12/1 Brazil: 14/1 bet365 is committed to Safer Gambling. We promote gambling as an enjoyable leisure activity and we believe that gambling can only remain this way if you stay in control and gamble responsibly. However, we know that for some people gambling can stop being a harmless leisure activity and become a problem. bet365 has a range of useful tools to help you stay in control of your gambling that can be found at https://responsiblegambling.bet365.com Help is close at hand. Visit www.gamcare.org.uk or contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. 18+. gambleaware.org