13:00 Monday

England vs Iran Stats

  • Six of England’s last eight matches have produced fewer than four goals
  • Harry Kane scored 10 goals across the qualifiers and will be on penalties
  • Iran are likely to sit behind the ball and frustrate England, suggesting a low-scoring match

 

England vs Iran Tips:

Betting Tip: England win & under 3.5 goals

The Three Lions kick off their World Cup (WC) campaign by facing off against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday afternoon and Gareth Southgate’s side will hope to put an end to their run of six matches without a victory.

That run was in the Nations League but realistically, this is the biggest competition in football and will be taken far more seriously. They scored 39 goals during the qualifiers but they’ve managed to score twice or more just once in their last six fixtures.

This one looks as though it could be a closely fought encounter as Iran are likely to sit deep inside their own half and soak up the pressure.

There is no doubt that England should be opening their account with a win but they’ve not shown much fluidity in recent outings. Iran will make it difficult but set-pieces could play a vital part as 12 of England’s last 18 WC goals have come from set-piece situations.

England are around 4/11 to get the victory, but I don’t believe we’ll see four goals here. As such, I'll have a two point play on a Three Lions win and under 3.5 goals in total.

England win & under 3.5 goals - 2pts @ 3/4

Betting Tip: Harry Kane anytime goalscorer

Harry Kane is the man for the big occasion. He finished top scorer in the previous WC after notching the majority of his goals in the group stage and he can get off to another good start here. Gareth Southgate relies heavily on him to get the goals and he looks a good price to get on the scoresheet at any time.

He possesses the incredible knack of being in the right place at the right time and it would not be a surprise to see him break the deadlock. He’s also on penalties and he also has an extra incentive of chasing down the record of being England’s all-time top goalscorer.

The Spurs forward notched a hat-trick against Panama in the group stages of the last tournament and I think he’ll be hitting the back of the net in this clash on Monday afternoon.

I’ll take Harry Kane to score anytime at 6/5 for a point.

Harry Kane to score anytime - 1pt @ 6/5