England vs Iran: Three Lions look to kick off World Cup on strong note

Topics: TV Listings, TV Schedules, England, Iran, 2022 FIFA World Cup

The Three Lions will aim to kick off their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign on a good note as they prepare to take on Iran in their group stage opener.

Four years after missing out on the 2018 World Cup final in heartbreaking fashion, England will again seek to try to end their long wait for a major international title this year in Qatar. Gareth Southgate's men also suffered disappointment at EURO 2020, as they were beaten on spot kicks by Italy. The Three Lions ended up finishing in fourth spot at the 2018 World Cup, and now, will look to go one step further and finally "Bring It Home" by achieving glory in Qatar.

Of course, there is a long to get to the coveted final on December 18th, and many teams will be standing in England's path. Southgate's squad will begin their journey against Iran on Monday, and this marks the first time the Three Lions take on those opponents in international competition. However, while England will have high hopes of success this time around, their form coming into this tournament may leave something to be desired.

A poor Nations League campaign saw them relegated to League B, and in fact, they have struggled for goals, especially from open play. That being said, a lot has happened between that competition and this upcoming World Cup. England come into this match winless in their last six, and will be keen on avoiding making it a seventh, but may take some respite given Iran's poor record at World Cups, and especially against European opponents.

Iran, who are not rated to get out of a Group B that features Wales, the USMNT, and England, have never gotten out of the group stages. In addition, they have won just two of their last 15 fixtures at this competition, and have never beaten a European side in international competition, with six losses from their last eight ties.

England do have a mixed record when it comes to their group stage openers, with three wins and three losses from their last six, and their struggles are a major source of concern, but they are nonetheless expected to pick up all three points without fuss and look ahead towards taking on Wales and the USMNT.

Team news: England vs Iran

England: The Three Lions will have to make do without Manchester City's Kyle Walker, who continues to ease back into playing after groin surgery, while Southgate will not take any risks with Leicester City's James Maddison, who sustained an injury during training over the weekend.

Iran: Omid Ebrahimi is set to miss out, while Sardar Azmoun is not likely to be involved.

Match facts: England vs Iran

England and Iran will be meeting for the first time in international competition on Monday
To date, Iran have never beaten a European team in international competitions, with a record of D2 L6 from their eight prior matches
The Three Lions are the only European side who have reached at least the semi-finals in their prior two major tournament appearances (World Cup 2018, EURO 2020)
Iran have never gotten out of the group stages at a World Cup, and have won just two of their last 15 fixtures in this competition
England have a mixed record during their World Cup openers, with a record of W3 L3 from their last six appearances