World Cup 2022 draw, groups and matches in full: Reaction as England, Scotland and Wales in Group B

England could meet either Scotland or Wales after the Home Nations trio discovered their fate after the draw for the group stage of the World Cup was completed on Friday afternoon.

Gareth Southgate’s men enjoyed a relatively stress-free qualifying campaign and are viewed as one of the sides likely to make an impact in Qatar.

However, they will be given a severe test in the group stage when the tournament gets underway later this year.

The Three Lions will face 2010 group opponents USA, Iran and the winners of the final European play-off between Wales and the victors in the semi-final tie between Scotland and Ukraine.

Scotland will host Ukraine when and if it is possible to play their semi-final tie at Hampden Park, with the victors visiting Wales to finalise the line-up for the first ever winter tournament.

After the draw was completed former England captain Alan Shearer told the BBC: “Gareth will look at that and think it could have been a lot more difficult than it’s actually come out.

“He will be happy with that and I am sure his players will be as well.

“I have to say I am pleased that Scotland, Wales or Ukraine got put in England’s group because it just adds a little bit more excitement in that group.

“When you look at USA and Iran, you think okay England, but if it’s going to be Scotland or Wales, that makes it a bit tougher.

“You take what’s given, you look forward to it, and the England players will be full of confidence going into the tournament after what happened in the last two and with a genuine belief they can actually do something in this World Cup.”

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams added: “No disrespect to anyone, all of the teams are good, especially England, but it could have looked a little bit more daunting than what we could potentially go into.

“We are quite happy but there is obviously a lot of work to do before then.”

Former Scotland forward James McFadden described the draw as a 'great incentive' for either of the Home Nations to meet England at the World Cup.

He said: “We have play-offs we have to worry about and hopefully we can get through the first one, which sets up an unbelievable encounter against Wales.

“For either side, it’s a great incentive.

“It’s a big enough incentive to get to the World Cup, but knowing you’re going into a group with England, it’s great and it will motivate the players going into those play-off games."

The opening game of the tournament will see Qatar take on Ecuador on Monday 21st November and that game will precede England’s opener against Iran.

The draw in full is:

GROUP A - Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands

GROUP B - England, Iran, USA, Wales or Ukraine or Scotland

GROUP C - Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland

GROUP D - France, Denmark, Tunisia, UAE or Australia or Peru

GROUP E - Spain, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica or New Zealand

GROUP F - Belgium, Croatia, Morocco, Canada

GROUP G - Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon

GROUP H - Portugal, Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana

Follow highlights of the 2022 World Cup draw in full from Qatar in our recapped blog below.