A historic first match for Iran against the country that gave Football to the world. With James Maddison’s slight knee problem not looking too serious, England (touch wood) has no new injury concerns to add to Kyle Walker’s ongoing recuperation and the confirmed absentees, Reece James and Ben Chilwell. What is less certain is whether England will opt for three, or four, at the back at the Khalifa International Stadium against an opponent who will look to hit on the counter. For Iran, key man Sardar Azmoun looks to be winning his race to be fit for the tournament after injury.

Carlos Queiroz has been parachuted in to lead Team Melli, after replacing Dragan Skočić, who’d led them to a first-place finish in qualifying. Queiroz became Iran’s third manager since qualification began, in a scenario that is typical of the country’s Footballing turmoil. While England endured a Nations League campaign to forget, Iran warmed up with two friendlies in November, a victory over Nicaragua and a loss to Tunisia. The Three Lions are 1/3 to make a winning start against a team ranked 15 places below them in the world rankings.