England at World Cup 2018: What we know about their preparations for Russia

How will England warm up for the finals?

The FA are keeping with their policy of using friendlies to test England against the best. Within minutes of qualification being secured last night, they announced that Gareth Southgate’s men will host holders Germany on November 10 and follow that up with a clash against Brazil at Wembley four days later. The FA have also lined up friendlies against Italy and Holland in March.

When will England find out their World Cup opponents?

The draw for the finals will be held at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow on December 1. The 32 teams will be split into four pots based on rankings. If England stay 15th in the standings they will be in pot two.

Which other teams are already guaranteed to be in the draw?

Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have all come through the qualifiers to join hosts Russia.

Where will England be based during the tournament?

It was reported yesterday that Southgate’s side will stay in Repino, just 20 miles from Saint Petersburg at the ForRestMix Club hotel, which charges between £95-£192 per night. The FA have yet to confirm their plan.

How and where can I get tickets for the finals?

Tickets are available from fifa.com and the first sales period runs until Thursday - although anybody buying tickets now will clearly not know who they will be watching.

From November 16-28, tickets can be bought to follow a specific team. Another sales period will begin after the draw. Tickets are priced in four categories with the cheapest for group matches being £80. Category one tickets for the final are £840.