Jump directly to the content

SPAIN are no longer in England's path to the World Cup final.

Russia's emphatic penalty shootout win over the 2010 winners booked them a quarter-final spot against Croatia.

England will no longer need to face Spain should they progress to the World Cup semi-finals
5
England will no longer need to face Spain should they progress to the World Cup semi-finalsCredit: Getty - Contributor

It is the winners of that game who would face England in the semi-finals, should Gareth Southgate's men get so far.

A last-16 clash against Colombia on Tuesday awaits the Three Lions.

And should England progress, they will need to play either Sweden or Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

But Southgate will be boosted in knowing giants Spain are no longer a threat.

Cesc Fabregas looks on in disbelief as Russia fans celebrate knocking Spain out of the World Cup on penalties
Spain crashed out of the World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Russia
5
 Spain crashed out of the World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to RussiaCredit: AFP or licensors
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after his nation's defeat to Uruguay
5
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after his nation's defeat to UruguayCredit: Getty - Contributor
England could have come up against Thomas Muller's Germany had they made it through the group stage
5
England could have come up against Thomas Muller's Germany had they made it through the group stageCredit: Getty - Contributor
Lionel Messi's Argentina were knocked out of the World Cup by France
5
Lionel Messi's Argentina were knocked out of the World Cup by FranceCredit: Reuters
Russian fan downs pint of beer as they celebrate beating Spain on penalties and progress to World Cup quarter-finals

Shock exits for Germany, Argentina, Portugal and now Spain have left the Three Lions dreaming of success.

England are now favourites to reach the July 15 showdown at 13/5 with , ahead of Croatia (3/1) and Russia (4/1).

Only the Three Lions and Sweden have ever reached the final out of the nations left on our side of the draw.

And England are the only team to have won it with the Swedes losing to Brazil in 1958.

Russia and Spain fans react to World Cup shock result as Russians go through to quarter-finals

FROM RUSSIA WITH LIVE All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup

Sergio Ramos mocked for celebrating own goal during Spain World Cup exit to Russia

MOST READ IN WORLD CUP 2018

World Cup 2018 fixtures - complete match schedule, kick-off times and venues
game on

World Cup 2018 fixtures - complete match schedule, kick-off times and venues

All you need to know about England keeper Jack Butland's fiancée Annabel Peyton
Mrs B to Be

All you need to know about England keeper Jack Butland's fiancée Annabel Peyton

Arsenal announce £22m signing of Sampdoria and Uruguay star Lucas Torreira
Luc's in

Arsenal announce £22m signing of Sampdoria and Uruguay star Lucas Torreira

Who is Spurs ace Eric Dier’s dad Jeremy, and did he play tennis at Wimbledon?
DIER STRAIT

Who is Spurs ace Eric Dier’s dad Jeremy, and did he play tennis at Wimbledon?

England star Dele Alli talks to the media about Colombia, James Rodriguez and the defeat to Belgium
Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU