England's key dates before 2018 World Cup in Russia

By Richard Morgan

Image: Following England's qualification for the World Cup, we look at the key dates for Gareth Southgate's side on the road to Russia 2018

With England having now qualified for the 2018 World Cup, we examine the key dates for Gareth Southgate's side on the road to next summer's tournament in Russia.

England's victory over Slovenia at Wembley on Thursday night saw them guarantee top spot in Group F with a game still to spare.

"We want to test ourselves against really good teams," said Southgate ahead of September's qualifier with Slovakia and England could have as many as eight fixtures to prepare for the showpiece event.

Image: Southgate may have as many as eight internationals with which to fine-tune England's preparations for next summer's World Cup

Here are all the important dates in England's calendar ahead of the World Cup…

Oct 8: Lithuania (A)

England travel to Vilnius on Sunday for their final Group F clash looking to maintain their unbeaten run in qualifying.

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Image: England beat Lithuania 2-0 when they met at Wembley in March 2017

Nov 10: Germany (H)

England confirmed after their win over Slovenia that they will face the world's number one ranked side and defending World Cup champions Germany at Wembley in November.

Nov 14: Brazil (H)

Next up, the five-time world champions are next on the agenda and will provide England with a stern test in the second of November's friendly internationals.

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Image: England last played Brazil at Wembley in February 2013, with Roy Hodgson's side emerging 2-1 winners

Dec 1: World Cup draw

Southgate will travel to Moscow at the start of December to discover the identity of England's three group opponents at Russia 2018.

Image: The draw for the World Cup finals takes place at the State Kremlin Palace inside the Moscow Kremlin in December

March 23: Italy (H)*

The England boss has asked for a run of demanding warm-up games to prepare for the World Cup, and Italy - four-time winners of the tournament - fit that bill and could be opponents in March.

March 27: Netherlands (A)*

England have also been pencilled in to face the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in the second of back-to-back March friendlies.

Image: England are penciled in to play the Netherlands in Amsterdam next March

May 13: Final day of the Premier League season

The Premier League season comes to an end with its 38th and final round of fixtures, after which Southgate will name a preliminary 30-man squad.

May 21-27: Mandatory rest period

For those players named in England's preliminary squad, there is then a mandatory rest period requested by FIFA ahead of the tournament, except for those competing in the Champions League final.

May 26: Champions League final

Europe's premier club competition reaches its climax at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, but will any of Southgate's players be taking part?

Image: The 2018 Champions League final takes place in the Ukrainian capital

May 30

Possible friendly fixture.

June 5

Possible friendly fixture.

June 8

Possible friendly fixture.

June 14: World Cup gets underway

The host nation kick off the tournament at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Image: Russia 2018 World Cup venues

July 15: World Cup final

Southgate will hope his side are still in the competition when it draws to a close in the Russian capital.

Image: The Luzhniki Stadium will host next summer's World Cup final

*The FA have not officially announced who England will be playing in their warm-up fixtures

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