On Monday afternoon, England and Iran kick off their campaigns in Group B of the World Cup, with both teams looking to make a positive start to the tournament.
England form guideDespite possessing a talented squad of players, England’s recent international results have been underwhelming. They head into this clash on the back of a six-game winless run in all competitions.
Last time out, they drew 3-3 with Germany. The game ended a run of three games without a goal for Gareth Southgate’s team.
England will have to up their game if they are going to match the heroics of reaching the World Cup semi-finals four years ago, where they suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Croatia.
Despite reaching the last four of the 2018 World Cup, they have won just one of their previous five games in the competition over 90 minutes.
Their recent matches at the World Cup have also been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last five games in 90 minutes.
Iran form guideCarlos Queiroz’s team has been slightly inconsistent of late, although they are unbeaten in their last three international games against Uruguay, Senegal and Nicaragua.
Iran’s recent matches have been low-scoring affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in eight of their last nine games.
Their recent record in World Cups is a poor one, as they have won just one of their last ten games. Iran has also lost three of their previous five games at the World Cup.
The low-scoring theme has continued in Iran’s most recent World Cup games, as there have been under 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last eight matches.
What am I backing?Although England are big favourites to win this clash, the Three Lions' recent form has not been good, and Iran are unlikely to be pushovers. This could be a cagey affair, and with both teams' recent records, I am backing under 2.5 goals scored.