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Do World Cup winners need to win every group stage match?
Key takeaways
- England remain top of Group L heading into their group's final matches on Saturday, but their draw with Ghana has put more pressure on their final match against Panama.
- A draw could be enough to top the group if Ghana and Croatia also draw - but a win would guarantee first spot.
- It may seem a given that a World Cup-winning nation must finish with a maximum nine points in the group stage.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Published50 minutes ago For many England supporters, Tuesday's goalless draw with Ghana represented a harsh reality check after the highs of the 4-2 victory over Croatia, damaging any hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy for the first time in 60 years.
England remain top of Group L heading into their group's final matches on Saturday, but their draw with Ghana has put more pressure on their final match against Panama.
A draw could be enough to top the group if Ghana and Croatia also draw - but a win would guarantee first spot.
Article preview — originally published by BBC Sport. Full story at the source.
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