The 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup is now up and running. Ecuador became the first team to get points on the board, after a clinical 2-0 win against hosts Qatar. Enner Valencia, who plays for Turkish side Fenerbahce, scored both goals for the South Americans.
On Monday there are as many as 3 matches lined up (the third technically begins on Tuesday as it is a 12:30am kick-off).
The first match of the day today will see 1966 champions England lock horns with Asian powerhouse Iran. This match kicks off at 6:30 PM IST at the Khalifa International Stadium.
The second game will see African powerhouse Senegal take on three time runners-up, the Netherlands. This match kicks off at 9:30 PM IST at the Al Thumama stadium.
The third game of the day will see the Americans and Gareth Bale's Wales beginning their campaigns. USA vs Wales kicks off at 12:30 AM IST at the Al Rayyan stadium.
Here is everything you need to know about the two teams who will be playing the first match of the day today - England and Iran. Interestingly, this will be the first ever international meeting of the two teams, who have never played each other before. Iran though has played Scotland once - in the 1978 edition, where the game finished in a 1-1 draw.
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium
England captain Harry Kane and Manager Gareth Southgate during a press conference at MPC in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
ENGLAND
FIFA Ranking: 5
Coach: Gareth Southgate
WORLD CUP RECORD: Won 29, Drawn 21, Lost 19
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier, Eric Dier, Connor Coady, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Mason Mount, Philip Foden, Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Connor Gallagher
Forwards: Jack Grealish, Harry Kane (Captain), Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Callum Wilson
England manager Gareth Souhgate and captain Harry Kane at the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha, Qatar. (AP Photo)
Key Talking Points:
This is England's 16th FIFA World Cup appearance. Their best finish so far has been their title winning run in the 1966 edition. They were unbeaten in that edition of the tournament - winning 5 and drawing 1 of 6 games played
In Russia 2018, the English finished 4th - winning 3 and drawing 3 of their 7 games. They drew the other game. They were beaten 2-1 by Croatia in the semi-finals in extra time
Recent Performances:
Win-less in the Nations League
In Qualifying: Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 0
Last 5 games: D, D, L, L, D
Possible Starting Line-up:
Pickford (GK), Dier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Rice, Bellingham, Trippier, Sterling, Kane, Foden
IRAN
20
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
WORLD CUP RECORD: Won 2, Drawn 4, Lost 9
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Ali Beiranvand, Payam Niazmand, Amir Abedzadeh, Hossein Hosseini
Defenders: Sadegh Moharrami, Ehsan Haji Safi, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Morteza Pouraliganji, Mohammad Kanaani, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Majid HosseiniRamin Rezaeian, Abolfazi Jalali
Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Vahid Amiri, Sman Ghoddos, Mahdi Torrabi, Ali Gholizadeh, Karimi Ali, Ahmad Noorollahi
Forwards: Mehdi Taremi, Karim Anasarifard, Sardar Azmoun
Iran head coach Carlos Quirez and captain Ehsan Hajisafi during a press conference at the Main Media Center in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Key Talking Points:
Iran have never progressed to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup
This is the 6th time that Iran are playing in the World Cup. Their best performance so far has been a 14th place finish in their first appearance in the 1978 edition
In Russia 2018, Iran finished 18th overall. They played 3 group stage games - winning one, losing one and drawing the other
Finished 3rd in 2019 AFC Asian Cup
Recent Performances:
In Qualifying: Won 14, Drawn 1, Lost 3
Last 5 games: L, W, D, W, L
Possible Starting Line-Up:
Beiranvand (GK), Moharrami, Hosseini, Kanaani, Hajsafi, Ezatolahi, Gholizadeh, Nourollahi, Jahanbakhsh, Ansarifard, Taremi
