England vs Iran

Harry Kane to Score Anytime

Harry Kane is the favourite (17/2) for the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup, but history tells us that a fast start is needed to pick up the coveted award. 

As revealed by football betting analyst Mark O’Haire in the World Cup Betting Show, 14 of last 17 winners (including shared winners) reached at least the semi-finals, with 13 of those scoring at least two in the group stage.

 

The England captain, who bagged two against Tunisia and a hat-trick against Panama (featuring two penalties) on the way to winning the Golden Boot four years ago in Russia, will be keen to get off the mark against the Group B outsiders. 

From 75 international appearances, Kane has racked up 51 goals - he stands two strikes behind Wayne Rooney’s all-time England record of 53, which he could well match during the group stage.

Harry Maguire to Receive a Card

Harry Maguire is a man under the spotlight like no other. Dropped by Erik ten Hag after Manchester United's 4-0 mauling by Brentford in just the second game of the Premier League season, Maguire has started just one league game since - a 1-0 home win over West Ham. 

However, despite only playing 280 minutes of league football, he has still managed to pick up three yellow cards at an average of every 93.33 minutes. That marks a surge in Maguire's already prolific yellow run rate - he now has 46 yellows and two reds in 207 Premier League appearances.

The 29-year-old looks great value to see a card in Monday's World Cup Group B opener at best price 5/1 (worst price 13/5).

Over 5.5 England Corners

Iran were described by O’Haire as an “awkward opponent” for England, while tactics expert Raj Chohan suggested that the team – coached by Carlos Queiroz – will deploy the lowest block in the tournament. For that reason, we expect to see England camped in their half throughout but it won’t be easy to break the Iranians down.

Usually against deep lying teams, the space is out wide and the temptation is to throw balls in the box. Therefore, over 5.5 corners seems like a solid final leg for this England vs Iran Bet Builder.