ENGLAND are set to receive a massive World Cup seeding boost – after a Uefa rethink.
Euro chiefs had indicated that seeding for December’s qualification draw in Zurich would be determined entirely by Nations League places, with the best 12 performers getting the advantage.
That meant England, relegated to League B after their 2022 horror show performances, could not gatecrash the top seeding pot even with a 100 per cent record under interim boss Lee Carsley.
Three Lions’ sources had accepted the apparent reality and the risk of having to beat one of the likes of France, Spain, Portugal to Germany to take an automatic place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
But it has now emerged that Nyon chiefs have refined the seeding plans – effectively guaranteeing England top spot unless they suffer a major meltdown over the next two months.
Instead of the top 12 League A sides being seeded, the new plan will see the top two in each of the four pools earning that ranking.
But the four remaining top seeds will be the best four sides in Fifa’s world rankings that have not earned their spots through the Nations League.
And with England’s position in fourth in that Fifa table – behind only Argentina, France and Spain – strengthened by the back-to-back wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, it is almost certain that they will be rewarded by a place in the top pot.
The expansion to a 48-nation tournament means Europe will get 16 teams in the revamped tournament, up from 13 in 2022.
Uefa agreed to downsize qualifying groups to ensure all the group matches are played between March and November next year.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
There will be 12 groups, six of which will have four teams and the others containing five sides.
Only the group winners qualify, with the runners up joined by four sides from the Nations League campaign in a series of sudden-death play-offs for the final four places in March 2026.
Winning their League B pool would ensure England have a fall-back place in the play-offs even if they blow up in the qualifying campaign.
But even as top seeds, England will still probably be in one of the five team groups with at least two qualifying matches before the end of this season, in the March and June international breaks.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.
Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.
SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9
England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.
He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.
Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.
John Stones – 6
Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.
Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.
Rico Lewis – 7
In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.
Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.
Declan Rice – 5
Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.
Angel Gomes – 7
Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.
Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.
Jack Grealish – 7
Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.
But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.
Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.
Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.
SUBS
Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6
Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6
Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.
Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7
Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6
As with Colwill, little to do.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6
Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.
