Forget Christmas, the World Cup 2018 draw is just around the corner. And ahead of next Friday's ceremony, FIFA have held a production and logistics meeting which included a mock draw.
And Gareth Southgate will be thanking his lucky stars that the draw was just a practice.
England gearing up for the World Cup with international friendlies against Germany and Brazil. Images: PA
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England secured their spot in Russia after topping their World Cup qualifying group. And the English camp will be tuning in on the 1st December as their World Cup 2018 group will be revealed.
And earlier on Thursday, FIFA held a practice draw ahead of the real thing next Friday.
Per Gary Lineker, England were grouped with Belgium, Senegal and Japan. Tough.
Belgium are one of the six European powerhouses in Pot 1, while England are in Pot 2 with the likes of Spain and Croatia, among others.
Kylian Mbappe and Romelu Lukaku in action for France and Belgium. Images: PA
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Pot 3 houses the three Scandinavian nations including Iceland who dumped England out of the European Championships.
The practice draw finished with England drawing Japan, arguably one of the stiffest sides in Pot 4.
Meanwhile, the official World Cup 2018 draw will be unveiled at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, next Friday. 3 pm GMT.
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Will England get a harder or easier Group than the mock draw? Not long to find out.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: England, Gareth Southgate, World Cup