To commence World Cup Group B action, England will take on Iran with kickoff set for 8 a.m. ET Monday from Khalifa International Stadium. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the England vs. Iran odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
England is among the favorites to win it all, and its roster backs up the potential. It is led by F Harry Kane up top and has quality supporting attackers in F Raheem Sterling and F Marcus Rashford.
England didn’t play too well in the qualifiers for the World Cup, drawing Hungary and Poland in late 2021. Nonetheless, its roster is loaded with top-tier English Premier League talent and should be just fine.
Iran could be a solid sleeper. Its trio of forwards have combined for 98 international goals with F Sardar Azmoun leading the way with 41.
He’s just 27 years old, the youngest of the 3, and should be primed for success. Iran is 4-2-1 in its 7 games in 2022. It sits 20th in the men’s FIFA world rankings. England is 5th.
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England vs. Iran odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 6:44 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: England -260 (bet $260 to win $100) | Iran +950 (bet $950 to win $100) | Draw +370
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +125 | U: -160)
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Prediction
England 2, Iran 1
Moneyline (ML)
PASS.
A top-20 international matchup should yield better odds for England, but it is a heavy favorite. All these values are justified, and they do not pose enticing lines. A draw (+370) isn’t a horrible option, but I would pass and play the total here.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN OVER 2.5 (+125).
Iran hasn’t played a team of England’s caliber, and it doesn’t have many players that compete at that level. Kane, Sterling and others like F Mason Mount and M Jack Grealish should be able to create ample opportunity.
However, Iran does have a capable attack. F Mehdi Taremi plays for Porto and Azmoun is quality option for Bayer Leverkusen. The England backline is where some problems could be as well.
D Harry Maguire could get the start and has had some struggled with United this season. Also England going with a 3-4-3 like they are predicted to do could add some pressure in the midfield and could their backline strength to be sacrificed at times.
This game should be a strong start for England, and 2-1 or 3-1 seems like a quality prediction.
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