This year marks the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East and has been pushed to later in the year than is typical to avoid the region’s summer heat.
England will return to its national football stadium on Sunday to play Italy, competing in its first final since the 1966 World Cup. That remains England’s only international title.
England were stymied and stifled by a stubborn Scotland side in a 0-0 draw which puts them level on four points with group leaders Czech Republic, who they host on Tuesday.
Southgate, who plans to consult his players before the Oct. 14 game, said he feared they could face racial abuse in Bulgaria after an away fan allegedly targeted winger Raheem Sterling when the teams met at Wembley last Saturday.
A fourth-minute goal from Thomas Meunier and an 82nd-minute Eden Hazard strike earned Belgium the victory and third place
It has been 28 years since England were in a semifinal match of the World Cup and even longer since England have reached the finals of the World Cup. All that stands between them and this final is Croatia.
Gareth Southgate's young side face the Scandinavians in Samara with a place in the last four against either Croatia or hosts Russia up for grabs.
Harry Kane had a hat-trick as England demolished Panama 6-1 to ease into the World Cup last 16 alongside Group G rivals Belgium.
World Cup holders Germany are in good shape to defend their title after being unbeaten in all games in 2017 and definitely the team to avoid in the draw.
Defending champion Germany beats Northern Ireland 3-1, continuing its record of nine wins from nine games. England secures its place thanks to Harry Kane's last-minute winner against Slovenia.
Rooney, England's all-time record goalscorer and former captain, was stopped by police near his home in northwest England on Friday.
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