ENGLAND’S quest for a first World Cup triumph since 1966 starts with a clash against Iran.
Gareth Southgate’s side go into the tournament having reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago.
Meanwhile opponents Iran arrived in Qatar after leaving violent anti-government protests in their homeland.
The Khalifa International Stadium in Doha is the venue for the first of the action in Group B.
It’s No5 vs No20 in the world, in what could be a banana-skin opener for the Three Lions with Iran expected to be difficult to break down.
Here, SunSport previews the clash that will likely set the tone for England for the rest of the tournament.
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How did they get there?
England: The Three Lions eased to the top of their qualifying group without losing a game.
Southgate’s side won eight and drew two out of 10 to qualify first ahead of Poland.
Iran: Carlos Quieroz’s and Co were the first nation from Asia to qualify for the tournament, topping their group ahead of South Korea after losing just once in 10 games.
What’s the form?
England: The Three Lions head into the tournament on the back of a SIX game winless run.
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The Three Lions drew 3-3 with Germany last time out, but have not tasted victory since a 3-0 friendly win against Ivory Coast in March.
Iran: On the other hand Iran go into the game unbeaten in their last three, including an impressive win over Uruguay in September.
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Who are the managers?
England: Southgate is leading England into a World Cup for a second time, but has admitted he faces the sack if the Three Lions flop in Qatar.
The 52-year-old has held the post since 2016 after an impressive spell in charge of the U21s.
He also made 57 appearances for the Three Lions as a player, and played in the 1998 and 2002 tournaments.
Iran: Portuguese gaffer Quieroz is currently in his second spell coaching Iran, having previously held the post from 2011-2019.
He returned earlier this year after spells with Colombia and Egypt.
Quieroz had two spells as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Who are the star players?
England: PHIL FODEN will be looking to carry on his superb club form with Manchester City onto the international stage.
The 22-year-old goes into his first World Cup having scored seven goals and provided three assists in just 14 Prem games this season.
He was named PFA Young Player of the Year in both 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Foden has already been capped 18 times by the Three Lions, despite his tender age.
Iran: MEHDI TAREMI has attracted interest from Arsenal after impressing for Portuguese outfit Porto.
And the 30-year-old could add millions to his price tag with a strong campaign.
The striker has scored 13 goals in 19 games this season, including an impressive five goals in five Champions League outings.
What’s the head to head?
This will be the first official meeting between the two nations.
What TV channel will show the game?
England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
It will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
What are the odds?
England: 1/3
Iran: 59/5
Draw: 7/2
All odds provided by Betfair
SunSport prediction
Iran are 20th in Fifa’s world rankings, but England should prove to be too much Carlos Queiroz.
Three Lions skipper Harry Kane will be desperate to get off to a flying start in the hope of winning another World Cup golden boot, and could get among the goals early door.
3-0 England
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
