England off to winning start at World Cup, but USA have Premier League quality to cause upset as Wales face must-win clash vs Iran before home nations showdown

The opening games of Group B at the 2022 World Cup saw England cement themselves at the top as they thrashed Iran, whilst Wales and the USA shared the spoils.

Despite having two games left of the group stage, the countries’ second matches have now shaped out to be the key to qualification for the last 16.

England’s 6-2 thumping of Iran on Monday afternoon saw the Three Lions banish their demons from their poor Nations League run.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish all scored their first World Cup goals, whilst Iran’s Mehdi Taremi netted two consolation strikes.

Wales and USA had a much closer affair, with the game being a tale of two halves and ending in a 1-1 draw. 

The Americans dominated the first 45 minutes, with Timothy Weah breaking the deadlock just before half-time.

But after bringing on Kieffer Moore for Dan James, Wales leapt into life and equalised after Gareth Bale won a penalty and converted it with under ten minutes to go.

Friday’s results will have a big say on who will qualify for the knockout stages and, most notably for the home nations, decide what kind of tie England vs Wales will be next Tuesday.

Gareth Bale scored the crucial penalty to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw against USA, but Wales will want to secure all three points against IranGetty

Whilst England will be trying to further cement their place at the top of the group against the USAGetty

Wales vs Iran – Friday 25th November, 10am

Group: B
Kick-off: 10am UK time (1pm local time)
Stadium: Ahmed bin Ali Stadium
Location: Al Rayyan

Wales will be playing in their second World Cup fixture since 1958 on Friday, and will be looking to carry on the momentum they found in the second half of their tie against the USA.

A win for the Dragons will be vital in giving them a chance at bettering their one and only World Cup finals run 64 years ago, which saw them reach the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Iran have competed at the tournament in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022, although they never managed to get through the group stage.

The countries have only met once before in a 1-0 friendly win for Wales in Tehran back in 1978.

Mehdi Taremi got two in the opening game for Iran against England and Wales will have to be waryGetty

Wales aren’t taking the tie lightly either just because England put six past their opponents, especially given they need to win to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

“England played well so we won’t underestimate Iran,” Wales star Ben Davies said after the USA draw, “We know it will be a tough game for sure.”

Veteran midfielder Joe Allen missed Monday’s tie but is back in training and could be available for Friday. 

Meanwhile, Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is likely to be unavailable following his nasty nose injury.

Wales predicted line-up: Hennessy, Mepham, Rodon, B Davies, Roberts, Ampadu, Ramsey, Wilson, N Williams, Moore, Bale.

Iran predicted line-up: Hosseini, Moharrami, Cheshmi, Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi, Jahanbakhsh, Hajsafi, Karimi, Nourollahi, Taremi.

England vs USA – Friday 25th November, 7pm

Group: B
Kick-off: 7pm UK time (10pm local time)
Stadium: Al Bayt Stadium
Location: Al Khor

England can all-but guarantee their spot in the last 16 against the stars and stripes with a victory.

But the USA, who have appeared in eleven FIFA World Cups – including the first in 1930 where they reached the semi-finals – won’t be easy opposition.

England boast eight wins from 11 meetings with the USA but have yet to beat them in two previous World Cup matches.

The most recent game saw them draw 1-1 in 2010 when Rob Green failed to stop Clint Dempsey’s pea-roller.

USA will be breathing a huge sigh of relief after Christian Pulisic emerged unscathed following a tangle of legs with Bale, when the Welshman accidentally trod on the back of the Chelsea star’s legs.

Pulisic is among a host of Premier League players in USA’s ranks, including Leeds duo Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, so they boast plenty of top-level experience, while Borussia Dortmund starlet Gio Reyna could play after being left out against Wales.

Timothy Weah scored USA’s goal against Wales in the 1-1 draw and will be a dangergetty

But England won’t fear anyone with in-form Bukayo Saka among a potent attackGetty

England, meanwhile, have injury fears over captain Harry Kane – but the Tottenham star is expected to be fit to play.

Kane left the match on Monday with his ankle strapped up following a heavy tackle and underwent a scan on Wednesday, but Gareth Southgate is hopeful he’ll be fine to feature.

Meanwhile, Harry Maguire appeared to be dazed and was substituted against Iran, with Eric Dier coming on to replace him at the back, but the Manchester United defender has confirmed he’s okay for the USA game.

Kyle Walker could start too after recovering from his groin injury quicker than expected, whilst James Maddison is still a doubt.

Bukayo Saka will be buzzing from his two-goal display against Iran and is certain to start in attack.

England predicted line-up: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Bellingham, Rice, Mount, Sterling, Saka, Kane.

USA predicted line-up: Turner, Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson, McKennie, Adams, Aaronson, Weah, Sargent, Pulisic.

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