England has been placed in the same group as Wales for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2027, ensuring they will not face world champions South Africa until a potential final matchup.
The tournament has been expanded to include a Round of 16 for the first time. England managed to avoid facing one of the top third-place teams and are set to meet the runner-up of Pool B in the knockout stages if they secure the top spot in Pool F, where they are expected to perform well.
Assuming England successfully navigates their pool, which includes Wales, Tonga, and Zimbabwe, their next challenge is likely to come from Italy, who are paired with reigning champions South Africa in Pool B.
In the quarter-finals, England could potentially meet Australia, who are anticipated to finish second in their pool behind the All Blacks. A victory in that stage could set up a semi-final clash with either Argentina or Ireland.
On the opposite side of the knockout bracket, teams like New Zealand, South Africa, and France are looming as potential opponents for England in the later stages of the tournament, with only one of them standing in the way of England’s quest for the trophy.
Looking back at their recent World Cup performances, England reached at least the semi-finals in the last two editions. Despite initial doubts in 2023, they showcased their strength with notable wins and a close match against eventual champions South Africa in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on their current form, England’s impressive autumn campaign, highlighted by a significant victory over the All Blacks, has established them as strong contenders for the upcoming World Cup. Their previous success in Australia, where they emerged as champions under Sir Clive Woodward, further adds to their credibility as a formidable team in the competition.