21D AI has England in the final.
Predicted exit: Final (runners-up).
Group LCroatia, Ghana, Panama Win group
Swept Croatia aside on opening night, ground out a stalemate with a stubborn Ghana, then saw off Panama to top the group. Job done, if with less swagger than night one promised.
Round of 32DR Congo Win
DR Congo gatecrashed the best thirds and gave it a real go, but England had to graft and the bench had the answers even shorn of James and Quansah. Through to the last 16.
Round of 16Mexico Win
The hosts brought the roof down after seeing off Ecuador, but England's depth quieted the noise and saw them through to the last eight. Exactly as called.
Quarter-finalNorway Win
Norway arrived on a high after dumping Brazil out, but England's know-how and strength in depth told once it went to extra time. Into the semis, exactly as our 63% call had it.
Semi-finalArgentina Win
The holders stand between England and a first final since 1966, and it is the tightest of coin-flips. 21D AI just edges the Three Lions through. Pinch yourself.
FinalSpain Runners-up
So close again. They run into a Spain side at the peak of its powers, fresh from binning France, and fall just short.
Good news for England fans, and no, it isn't rigged. They topped a completed Group L, grafted past DR Congo, saw off hosts Mexico and went the distance with Norway to reach the semis exactly as our 63% call had it. Tonight it is the holders Argentina for a place in the final, and 21D AI just edges the Three Lions through the tightest of coin-flips to a first final since 1966. Waiting there is Spain, who have just knocked France out and look the class of the tournament, so we make England brave runners-up rather than champions. Reece James and Quansah picking up knocks is a nuisance but the depth soaks it up. Optimistic but fair, and the forecast will move them up or down honestly once tonight is played.
Just a bit of fun, not betting advice. Predictions generated by AI from public data. 18+.
Fixtures and results from openfootball. Rankings, form and injuries from API-Football.