- England faces Iran in the first game in Group B.
- The Three Lions are favorite to win the game, but Iran will make it difficult.
- Expect a low-scoring win for Southgate’s team.
England kickstarts its FIFA World Cup schedule against Iran, and anything but a win in a group containing Wales and USA would be a huge slip-up.
Gareth Southgate will hope his team can put their awful Nations League performance behind them and start the tournament on the right foot.
Iran is the lowest-ranked team in Group B, but they will push to get out of the Group Stage for the first time in World Cup history.
England vs. Iran Prediction, World Cup:
The winning team model predicts England will win this Group B game with 53% confidence. The model also predicts a 23% chance of tie/draw.
🏴🆚🇮🇷
— England (@England) June 5, 2022
🏴🆚🇺🇸
🏴🆚🏴 pic.twitter.com/xs9cTeAEge
England vs. Iran Odds, Outrights, Over/Under
- Match Result: England (-275)| Draw (+360) | Iran (+950)
- Draw No Bet: England (-1400) | Iran (+675)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+110) | Under 2.5 (-155)
England vs. Iran Match Info
2022 World Cup — Group Stage (B)
Date: Monday, Nov. 21, 2022
Time: 08:00 a.m. ET
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar
Coverage: FOX
England vs. Iran Analysis
England faces the most pressure in this Group. The Three Lions are looking to win a major tournament for the first time since 1966, and Southgate won’t have any excuses should the team underperform in Qatar.
England has progressed under Southgate, making it to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of Euro 2020. They also had no problem qualifying for the World Cup, but a disastrous Nations League run certainly dampened expectations.
The Three Lions are heavy favorites against Iran, but this team rarely kicks off major tournaments well. In fact, they have only won three opening matches at a major tournament since Euro 2000.
Luckily for the Three Lions, talisman Harry Kane is in fine form, totaling 13 goals for Tottenham this season.
50 @England goals. So so proud. Treasure each and every one of them. Never take it for granted. Important point away from home against a tough team. Let’s keep working 💪🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/19cnN2eeQZ
— Harry Kane (@HKane) June 7, 2022
They will need him to be at the top of his game against Iran, where Carlos Queiroz, “the master of defense,” is at the helm.
Queiroz knows he doesn’t have star names on his team, and he uses this to his advantage by stifling opponents’ attacks. His team closes down its shape and keeps two lines of players between the ball and the goal at all times.
It’s hardly mesmerizing soccer, but it’s incredibly effective and will prove tricky for a team like England that’s not particularly prolific in front of goal.
I don’t see England starting this tournament with a huge statement but rather grinding out a 1-0 victory courtesy of Kane.
England vs. Iran Game Results Odds:
- Match Result: England (-275)
- Draw No Bet: England (-1400)
- Over/Under Goals: Under 1.5 (+185)
- Harry Kane to Score Anytime (+110)
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