Alan Smith discusses the Group B opening between England and Iran for the 2022 World Cup.
On Monday, England will face Iran in their opening World Cup matchup. Alan Smith previews that Group B matchup at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Although Gareth Southgate's team will likely advance from a group that also includes Wales and the USA, they will aim to open their campaign in Doha against the section's supposedly underdogs.
Here, the former England striker and Sky Sports commentator previews that match, offering his predictions for how the Three Lions will do in both the first Group B game and the entire tournament, including whether they should start with a three- or four-man backline against Carlos Queiroz's club.
Will England perform well at the World Cup?
The World Cup may harm the mood. There was some pessimism following the Nations League matches.
However, if you get a few successful outcomes, all will be forgotten. If everything comes down to the World Cup. They ought to leave the group.
They should encounter some formidable opponents given the remaining course. The prospect of playing Senegal in the following round exists, and I believe you would choose to do so. Football in tournaments is all about gaining confidence and maintaining momentum. We had a strong foundation and were keeping clean sheets in Euros.
We may not have been as daring or spontaneous as other teams, but we were built on a strong foundation, and that must happen again. What kind of defense
Will we decide, and if so, how successfully? is the locked secret.
Will Southgate deploy a three- or four-man backline?
I predict he'll choose four. He'll probably want to reunite Stones and Maguire because they understand one other's strategies. Maguire hasn't been participating in Manchester United's games, as we all know, so perhaps he can step up the pace. However, experience is important, and he has attended the World Cup and the Euros.
If Kyle Walker is absent, the only other option is possibly playing Ben White on the right of the three.
Ben, though, is inexperienced, so that would be a big decision. Trippier will likely play at right back, Shaw at left back, and Stones and Maguire in the midfield, in my opinion. Things could alter if Kyle Walker becomes available.
Which way will England start?
Goalkeeper Pickford is in goal. It might be a 4-2-1-3 scenario with a No. 10. Rice and Bellingham appear to be the likely candidates because Phillips is still not match-ready. Bellingham is a future superstar who, in my opinion, could be one of the World Cup's biggest successes, so you wouldn't want to leave him out.
It would be beneficial if Rice and Bellingham could develop the same kind of bond as Phillips and Rice had. Although it has a slightly different dynamic, it looks excellent and should provide some defense. Mason Mount would be directly in front of them. Although he hasn't been performing at his best for Chelsea, Southgate adores him. He is such a good player and is so versatile that I would start him.
Then, Kane is through the middle definitely, but Sterling's starting position is in doubt. Another person Southgate likes and trusts are him. He performed admirably for himself and at the Euros, contributing some assists and goals. I believe Southgate might err on the side of caution when facing Iran and maybe that will get Sterling a place on the left.
Saka or Foden can then be seen on the right. They are marginally various players. Saka looked exhausted when I saw him at Wolves, so maybe Foden will start the first game, but those two might split the right-side responsibilities. Foden can play on the left.
How do you feel about Mount?
I think he's a fantastic player, and I don't understand the skepticism. Both on and off the ball, he is excellent. He never shuts off, closes down so quickly, and frequently takes ownership. He's a football player who is extremely clever and sharp-minded. I consider him to be elite.
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