On Monday, England kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran, with Gareth Southgate’s side looking to bring home the famous old trophy for the first time since 1966.
Many have been slightly pessimistic about England’s chances at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar due to their run of six matches without a win, but, in our recent exclusive interview with ex-Three Lions manager Glenn Hoddle, he pointed out that it might’ve “lowered expectations” and that the timing of this competition could benefit England as the playing staff will be fresh.
Southgate will be hoping that his side can show further progress from their near misses at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as their Euro 2020 final disappointment to Italy by going all the way here. England are priced at 2/5 to win Group B, containing Iran, the USA and Wales. Achieving this feat would likely see the Three Lions face one of Senegal, Qatar or Ecuador from Group A in the Round of 16.
England managed to qualify for the World Cup in comfortable circumstances as they topped Group I with 26 points from ten matches ahead of the likes of Poland, Albania, Hungary, Andorra and San Marino.
Three Lions skipper Harry Kane was the top scorer in European World Cup qualifying with 12 goals to his name, sharing this title with Memphis Depay of the Netherlands. The 29-year-old is just two goals behind Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals in the race to become England’s all-time top scorer. This will give the Tottenham striker added motivation.
Kane also managed to win the Golden Boot at the last tournament in Russia, which was an impressive feat in his first World Cup, as he went on to score five goals, bagging a late winner against Tunisia in the group stages, as well as a hat-trick at the expense of Panama, whilst scoring in England’s intense Round of 16 game with Colombia. Notably, that game was the first time the Three Lions had won a World Cup game via a penalty shootout.
Iran are entering their sixth World Cup finals and have a recognisable face in the dugout for those with knowledge of both Manchester United and Real Madrid in the shape of Carlos Quieroz. He will be aiming to take Iran past the group stage for the first time in their history.
In terms of notable players, Iran do have a few, with strike duo Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun showcasing their skills in this campaign’s Champions League for the likes of FC Porto and Bayer Leverkusen. On top of this, they also have Brentford midfielder Saman Ghoddos and ex-Brighton & Hove Albion man Alireza Jahanbakhsh among their ranks.
FIFA’s World Ranking have Iran as the 20th best international side in the world at present, something they perhaps justified in Asia’s World Cup qualifiers, as they eased to top of Group C in the Second Round with 18 points from eight games, ahead of Iraq, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Cambodia.
In the Third Round, Iran topped Group A consisting of South Korea, UAE, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Azmoun finished as their top scorer in qualifying, whilst Taremi bagged eight times, the same amount as Omonia Nicosia striker Karim Ansarifard, also of Iran.
ENGLAND TEAM NEWS
England will be looking at the latest fitness results regarding Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, with the former still in recovery from a groin injury that he suffered in the Manchester derby in October. The 32-year-old has stated that he could be fully ready to play in the Three Lions second match against the USA. Kieran Trippier will likely start at right-wing-back here.
Phillips has only just returned from a shoulder injury. There is a chance that the ex-Leeds United man could come on as a substitute in order to give him some more match fitness. It is expected that Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will be England’s preferred midfield pairing.
Kane will be hoping to use this game to edge closer to Rooney’s goal record. The England captain is priced at 8/1 to score a header, having managed this three times in qualifying. Kane has scored five headers for Spurs in the 2022/23 Premier League season.
IRAN TEAM NEWS
Queiroz will have a full complement of players available for selection heading into this game.
Although perhaps lesser known than Taremi, Azmoun is actually Iran’s top active goalscorer with 41 goals in 65 matches, although this is somewhat far away from Ali Daei’s record of 109 goals in 149 games – this was the all-time international goalscoring record until Cristiano Ronaldo recently broke it.
Both Taremi and Azmoun are priced at 12/1 to score first, whilst also evenly matched at 9/2 to score anytime.
Read also: our yesterday’ s prediction on Qatar vs Ecuador: https://butlergh.com/2022/11/20/sunday-service-this-is-what-your-pastor-didnt-tell-you-today-prove-me-wrong/
PREDICTION(S)
Full Time multiCorrect Score: 2:0/2:1
Over/Under Goals: Under(3.5) Goals or Over(1.5) Goals
Anytime Goalscorer(s) : Harry Kane
OTHER PREDICTIONS
B. Senegal vs. Netherlands : (0: 1 / 0: 2)
Netherlands to win
Over/Under Goals : Under(2.5) Goals
C. USA vs. Wales : (1 : 1)
Over/Under Goals : Under(2.5) Goals
USA to win or draw
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One Response
I’m impressed ?