England come into the World Cup off the back of a disastrous Nations League campaign, where they failed to win any of their 6 fixtures (drawn 3, lost 3). Ironically, those 3 defeats all came against either Hungary or Italy, two sides who won't be in Qatar. England avoided defeat in the 2 fixtures with Germany, showing some promise in the final fixture, to come back from 2-0 down. Iran have faired better in their preparations for the world cup. They've played 5 friendlies since qualifying for the World Cup back in March, winning 2, drawing once and losing 2. A win over Uruguay and draw with Senegal mask more disappointing results against Tunisia and Algeria. Iran topped their qualification group, ahead of South Korea (the only side they dropped points against), in a group they were expected to progress from. This is the first meeting between England and Iran. Despite many downplaying England's chances, and predicting Iran as the group's dark horses, I honestly can't see past an England victory here. I'm going for 2-0 with Kane and Sterling on target.
1-0 win for England in an unconvincing display. Iran prove competent opponents and we seem content with one goal after Sterling scores early on
That's generally how England start at major tournaments to be fair. I thought we looked decent against Croatia in the first game of the Euro's, but we were poor in the last World Cup opener with Tunisia, Euro 2016 draw with Russia, WC 2014 was just a shambles, Euro 2012 etc. Etc.
1-1. Can't see anything other than a drab, uninspiring display as the PL only stopped 8 days ago. Iran score first and England equalise midway through the second half
And me, Southgate sets out to avoid defeat against a formidable opponent ranked in the world's top 20.
Quite a number of the Iranian side play in Europe, and were playing games as of last weekend too. A fair few of their team seem to play in Greece or Portugal.
1-0 Iran Cue an outbreak of "we were really tired going into the game" quotes and my particular bugbear after the mistake for their goal ......."<player> has been carrying a knock". Every world cup I remember, we take players who are not fit enough to grace the biggest tournament in the world.
Completely depends on the team he picks today. 7 defensive players as per usual under Southgate, then I'd probably go 2-0 to us. If he picks a more fluid, attacking, forward-thinking team then could be a few more. Iran have a decent attack so it'll be interesting to see how Southgate does go about it
If you thought the 2010 or 2014 group stages were bad this one is going to be worse. 2-1 Iran. Draws in the other games.
0-0. Iran are well drilled side, I think they will be difficult to beat, and they have a lot of motivation given whats happening back home - I suspect the team support the protests.
There is no way this should be anything other than a comfortable win for England with just one caveat. Gareth Southgate.
I'm WFH today so I can watch the game. I'll go for a comfortable 4-0 win to England with Stonesy getting on the scoresheet
apparently Maddison hasn't trained yet so won't be in the match squad - I mean why bring him? Okay, maybe we get to the semi-finals and he can come on for 20 minutes, but it just seems daft bringing injured players in.
Southgate picked Phillips who hasn't played properly in a year and had something like 52 minutes of game time when he got picked...