England Win
Under 3 Goals in the Match
Harry Kane – Anytime Goalscorer
Highest Scoring Half – Second Half
England will be keen to begin their Group B campaign with a victory and Gareth Southgate’s side have arguably been handed their easiest tie of the group stage to kicks things off. The Three Lions were excellent at Euro 2020, however, they have a far from imperious record when it comes to opening matches at the World Cup. Nevertheless, they squeezed three points out of their opener in 2018 and this looks like a similar style of assignment.
With Wales and the USA still to come, Southgate will be underlining the importance of getting off to a fast start and they should be able to win this first contest.
Iran proved to be tough opposition for both Spain and Portugal in 2018 and under the returning Carlos Queiroz, they will be equally as well-organised and stubborn. Breaking them down could be tricky and England may have to take a fairly patient approach.
Team Melli are unlikely to simply open up and let England through. They are also unlikely to set up in an expansive formation. They will set up to be tough to break down and probably let England have the majority of possession. As a result, this could be cagey and one goal may be enough to win it.
It may also mean that England may have to wait for the second half to find a break through. With temperatures still expected to be high at this time of day, England are likely to look to their subs bench, however, it could be the reliable and trustworthy Harry Kane to make the difference. He was top scorer at Russia 2018 and if this match is decided by a spot-kick, then the Spurs man is likely to step up and convert.
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