England‘s this afternoon get their World Cup campaign up and running against Iran.
For the first time since Gareth Southgate took charge, the Three Lions enter a major tournament under a cloud of negativity. After the run to the last four in 2018 and then defeat in the Euros final last year, expectations have slumped somewhat after a poor recent run of results.
Southgate’s England have never been a team to judge outside of tournament football, though their worrying performances in the UEFA Nations League games have caused questions to be asked of the manager and his players.
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They are favourites to top Group B, though face three sides who are capable of setting up in a solid shape and frustrating the Three Lions in Iran, USA and Wales.
First up is an Iran side talked up as perhaps the greatest in the country’s history, with the vastly experienced Carlos Queiroz at the helm.
Date, kick-off time and venue
The World Cup group stage game is scheduled for a 1pm GMT kick-off today, Monday November 21, 2022.
The Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan will host.
Where to watch England vs Iran
TV channel: The game will be broadcast free-to-air on BBC One, with coverage starting at 12pm.
Live stream: The BBC iPlayer will offer a free live stream.
LIVE coverage: Follow all of the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog. Dan Kilpatrick and Nizaar Kinsella will be providing expert analysis from the ground.
England vs Iran team news
England XI: Pickford, Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Bellingham, Mount, Saka, Sterling
Iran XI: Beiranvand, Moharrami, Hajsafi, Mohammadi, Jahanbakhsh, Pouraliganji, Taremi, Cheshmi, Karimi, Hosseini, Nourollahi
England vs Iran prediction
England are hardly the most entertaining side around as it is, never mind when they’re playing a Queiroz team. While Southgate’s side are expected to win, it’s hard to imagine the game proving much more than attritional.
England to win 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The two countries have never played each.
England vs Iran latest odds
England to win: 3/10
Draw: 18/5
Iran to win: 10/1
