England is looking to end a 56-year wait for a second World Cup when they face Iran in a Group B encounter. England opens its campaign against an Iranian team they would be well advised not to underestimate, especially as the Three Lions are infamous for starting tournaments poorly. This is one of the most contentious competitions since, well, the 2018 World Cup in Russia. That was seen at Euro 2020, at least on the goal’s face, but it also demonstrated England’s capacity to play the circumstance (tournament-style game) rather than get intimidated by the occasion. This will be England and Iran’s first-ever international football match.
England team news
Kyle Walker was chosen by Gareth Southgate despite his troubles with a groin ailment. Walker hasn’t played for Manchester City since the first week of October, and Pep Guardiola just last weekend declared him “not yet ready” to play. Depending on the opposition, England switches between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-2-1 formation. Southgate may decide to use the system with an extra forward option against an Iran team that will probably defend in a mid-block.
Iran team news
Sardar Azmoun is the main injury concern for Iran. Since the beginning of October, the team’s top goal scorer on the international stage has been sidelined with a calf injury. Carlos Queiroz might choose to use the skilled Karim Ansarifard in place of Azmoun.
England vs Iran score prediction
England had gone five games without scoring a goal from open play before routing Germany with three goals in September. When having difficulties scoring, Iran is not a good opponent to play, especially under Queiroz. Iran under Queiroz had ten clean sheets in 16 matches in significant international tournaments but in what might be a challenging World Cup opener, England and their sputtering frontline may come under even greater scrutiny up against the highest-ranked Asian side (20th in the world).
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