THE UK sports minister has congratulated England on making the World Cup’s knockout stages – even though they could still fail to qualify.
Stephanie Peacock said it was a “brilliant experience” to watch England’s goalless draw with Ghana in Boston.
But she wrongly claimed the result was enough to guarantee a place in the last 32, when defeat in the final group stage game against Panama could still put Harry Kane and his teammates on an early plane home.
Peacock posted on Twitter/X: “England have qualified for the knock out stages! A brilliant experience to be at the Boston Stadium to cheer them on.”
England have qualified for the knock out stages! A brilliant experience to be at the Boston Stadium to cheer them on 🏴 🦁 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/SolkPHL9aO
— Stephanie Peacock MP (@Steph_Peacock) June 24, 2026
England are still in pole position to qualify for the last 32 ahead of Saturday’s game with Panama, having won their tournament opener against Croatia, but they have not yet secured a place in the knockout stages.
Even if England drop to third in their group, their goal difference should be enough to ensure they are one of the eight third-placed teams to qualify.
But a heavy defeat to Panama, while unlikely, could lead to an early exit.
Meanwhile, Scotland's World Cup fate hangs in the balance as they take on one of the tournament's favourites, Brazil, on Wednesday in their last match of the group stage.
Steve Clarke’s men have been revelling in their first World Cup tournament in 28 years as they beat Haiti in their opening match 1-0, thanks to a first-half John McGinn strike.
The Tartan Army’s celebrations were in full swing last week following Scotland’s first win at the tournament since 1990, but were then brought back down to Earth with a bump after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Morocco on Friday.
