England are currently projected to face Ecuador in the Round of 32 of the World Cup after the South American nation beat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey. The Three Lions will finish top of Group L if they beat Panama at the same venue on Saturday.
Ecuador's Victory Shifts Knockout Projections
Initially, it looked as though England could be paired with DR Congo or Cape Verde, but Ecuador's win over Germany has changed the outlook. Ecuador moved onto four points in Group E, setting up a potential clash with England.
The result has also pushed Scotland closer towards the exit door. If Belgium draw or win against New Zealand, Steve Clarke's side will be formally eliminated.
England's Potential Path
England, providing they take care of business this weekend, would head to Atlanta for the Round of 32. Then it would be onto Mexico City for the last 16, where Mexico or, as it stands, Scotland could lie in wait.
Germany were ahead against Ecuador inside two minutes when former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane curled home. However, Ecuador refused to throw in the towel despite firing blanks in their opening two World Cup fixtures. La Tri equalised through Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo before Gonzalo Plata struck the winner to stun Germany. Julian Nagelsmann named a full strength side, but Germany came unstuck.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo collapsed to the turf at full-time while some of his colleagues fought back the tears. Fans in the stands were also crying.
Historical Context
England have met Ecuador in the knockout stages of a World Cup before; they beat them 1-0 in the last 16 in Germany in 2006 when David Beckham netted the winner via a free-kick.
This current Ecuador side has a host of eye-catching talents including Arsenal's Piero Hincapie, PSG centre-back Willian Pacho and Club Brugge's Joel Ordonez. Ecuador made a poor start to their World Cup journey this time around after finishing second in South American qualifying. They were beaten late in the day against Ivory Coast in Philadelphia before drawing with Curacao following a heroic display from the minnows' goalkeeper Eloy Room.
England's potential Round of 32 clash with Ecuador would take place next Wednesday.
