England v Iran preview

England World Cup guide – the fixtures, results, team news and odds

England head to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar hoping to build on their exciting run to the semi-finals in 2018 – and the final of Euro 2020. With Gareth Southgate in charge and Harry Kane firing in the goals, the hope is that the ‘Three Lions’ can finally end those “years of hurt” by bringing home a first men’s international trophy since 1966.

When is England’s first game at the 2022 World Cup?

England’s opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup takes place on Monday, 21st November, when the ‘Three Lions’ take on Iran at 13:00 UK time. The match takes place at Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital city of Doha.

Iran are ranked 20th in the FIFA world rankings, and recently beat Uruguay in a friendly. England have never before faced Iran in an international match and will hope to kickstart their World Cup campaign with three points against a side currently coached by former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz.

Read more about Group B in our detailed preview.

What are the odds that England win their next game at the 2022 World Cup?

England are 3/10 favourites to beat Iran and make a perfect start to their World Cup in Qatar. Although Gareth Southgate will be wary of the experienced Carlos Queiroz in the opposition dugout, he will hope that the 11 players on the pitch will have enough to overwhelm the opposition.

England racked up the goals during qualification for the tournament, scoring 39 times in 10 games. Goals might have been harder to come by in recent Nations League games, but the ‘Three Lions’ will feel they can turn it on when it matters most. England to score in both halves against Iran is 11/8, and an England win with four or more goals in the match is 16/5.

What is the latest England vs Iran team news and injury news?

With Kyle Walker still lacking match fitness after groin surgery, Gareth Southgate will have to pick between Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White at right-back. Kalvin Phillips could feature in midfield, while Harry Kane will lead the line.

Who are England’s key players?

Harry Kane, Golden Boot winner four years ago, leads the way up front and is England’s main source of goals, along with the presence of Raheem Sterling. Jordan Pickford has a proven tournament track record in goal, and the midfield is powered by the youthful exuberance of Jude Bellingham. Jack Grealish provides an x-factor in attack, and Kieran Trippier’s set-piece delivery could be vital.

What are the odds on England to win the 2022 World Cup?

England are 7/1 to win the 2022 World Cup and claim a first men’s international trophy since Bobby Moore skippered the ‘Three Lions’ to Wembley victory in 1966. After reaching the semis and final at their last two major tournaments, the hope is that England can go one better this winter. The Lionesses showed the way by winning Euro 2022; now it’s over to the men’s side to see what they can do on the biggest stage.

Who is the England manager?

Gareth Southgate is England’s head coach, having taken the reins after Sam Allardyce’s departure. Despite only being in charge for less than two years by the time the 2018 World Cup rolled round, Southgate oversaw England’s best performance in decades as they reached the semi-final. They even won a penalty shootout!

Sadly, they could not repeat that against Italy in the Euro 2020 final, falling at the final hurdle. Nonetheless, Southgate’s achievements in guiding the ‘Three Lions’ to genuine trophy contention should be lauded, and he has introduced a slew of talented young players into the team.