So England come into the World Cup with high expectations, having reached the final of the Euros, but they do come in under a lack of form with no win in the last six games.
Gareth Southgate also has big injury problems going into the first game against Iran; who does he pick at center half? Does he pick the out-of-form Harry Maguire? Is John Stones ready? Does Kalvin Phillips, who is his trusted centre midfielder with Declan Rice, does he play him, having only played one game this season so far for Manchester City.
Jude Bellingham is in great form and is also pushing for that central midfield position alongside Declan Rice, but he also got strength in the forward areas for creativity, not so much for scoring goals. Harry Kane, England’s talisman, is out there on his own. Marcus Rashford, his backup, has not set the world alight at Manchester United this season but might find some form for England up front if he is needed.
Obviously, the big talking point is if James Maddison comes on, does Jack Grealish get a start, and does Saka play on the right-hand side, so team selection is a big thing for Gareth Southgate.
Does he go with a back three, or does he go with a back four? He has tried both in Friendlies and in qualifying games, so that remains to be seen as well.
The Iranians ageing, the top ageing team in the competition, Carlos Quiros comes back after a bit of a turbulent time with the man in charge and the Iranian National team. Still, he is back to take them through this game, this World Cup, first game against England.
They will be tough opposition; they also offer something with Turini, the striker for Porto, who is in really good form and is surely one to watch for the Iranians. I think the correct score will be England to win 2-0 and Harry Kane to score the first goal.
Jason McAteer’s Bet Builder Picks:
- England to beat Iran 7/20 (1.35)
- Correct Score: England to win 2-0 35/9 (4.90)
- Total Goals: Under 2.5 Goals in the match 3/5 (1.60)
- First Goalscorer: Harry Kane 26/9 (3.90)
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing