England's potential route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final has been mapped out, and Steve Borthwick's side could hardly have asked for a better opportunity.
The tournament kicks off in Australia next October, with England hoping to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since 2003.
And there is plenty of reason for optimism.
If England win their pool and the leading nations progress as expected, they could avoid South Africa, New Zealand and France until the final.
That's a huge incentive for Borthwick's men, who have been handed one of the more favourable draws among the leading contenders.
Of course, World Cups rarely follow the script. But on paper, England have a genuine chance to go all the way.
England's route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final
Pool stage: Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe
England begin their campaign against Tonga in Brisbane on 2 October before facing Zimbabwe in Adelaide six days later.
Then comes the big one.
Borthwick's side face Wales in Sydney on 16 October, with top spot in Pool F potentially on the line.
England will be favourites to progress, but finishing first could make an enormous difference.
According to the official Rugby World Cup pool draw, England have avoided all five of the other top-seeded nations in the opening stage.
Round of 16: Italy or Georgia
Should England top Pool F, they will face the runners-up from Pool B on 24 October in Perth.
That group contains South Africa, Italy, Georgia and Romania.
With the Springboks expected to finish first, Italy or Georgia could be waiting.
Neither should be underestimated, but England would fancy their chances against either opponent.
The expanded 24-team tournament also means Borthwick's side must negotiate four knockout matches rather than three.
World Rugby's major changes to the 2027 tournament have added another hurdle on the road to glory.
Quarter-final: Australia or Japan
This is where things could get interesting.
If the pool results follow expectations, England could face hosts Australia or Japan in Sydney on 31 October.
Australia would represent a serious challenge, particularly with a passionate home crowd behind them.
Japan, meanwhile, have already shown they can upset rugby's biggest nations.
But here's the really encouraging part.
England could reach the semi-finals without facing South Africa, New Zealand or France.
That's a pretty decent position to be in.
Semi-final: Ireland or Argentina
Get through the quarter-final and England could find Ireland or Argentina waiting in Sydney on 6 November.
Neither would be an easy assignment.
Ireland will be desperate to finally break their World Cup quarter-final curse, while Argentina have repeatedly proved they can trouble the world's best.
Borthwick's men would need to produce something special.
But reaching the last four without facing one of the tournament's three traditional heavyweights would represent a huge opportunity.
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Final: South Africa, New Zealand or France
And then comes the biggest challenge of all.
Defending champions South Africa, three-time winners New Zealand or France could be waiting in Sydney on 13 November.
The opposite half of the projected draw could even produce a blockbuster quarter-final between the Springboks and All Blacks.
As RUCK's full breakdown of every nation's World Cup route explains, England could benefit from their biggest rivals eliminating one another.
Of course, the actual knockout opponents will depend on pool results.
England's potential route to World Cup glory
- Pool stage: Tonga, Zimbabwe, Wales
- Round of 16 (24 October): Italy or Georgia
- Quarter-final (31 October): Australia or Japan
- Semi-final (6 November): Ireland or Argentina
- Final (13 November): South Africa, New Zealand or France
These are projected opponents based on expected pool finishes, not confirmed knockout fixtures.
