MX23RW : Monday, April 29 15:32:46| >> :600:253481:253481:

World Cup 2022: Group B predictions - England, Iran, USA, Wales

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Sports Mole predicts how Group B will pan out, with England, USA, Wales and Iran doing battling in what is statistically the toughest group.

There are rivalries galore awaiting in Group B of the 2022 World Cup, which features 1966 winners England as favourites for top spot ahead of Iran, USA and Wales.

World Cup Group B

However, the FIFA rankings suggest that it is the most difficult group at this winter's tournament, with all four teams ranked inside the top 20 by FIFA.

Here, the Sports Mole team set out how they expect Group B to pan out in Qatar.



1. ENGLAND

England players pose before a Nations League game in September 2022© Reuters

It would be a monumental shock if England did not progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup as group winners, and we do not expect any surprises to be sprung in the section as the Three Lions safely make it through.

Such a scenario would see England face the runners-up of Group A - most likely Senegal - in the last 16, and while we have faith in Southgate's side to make it past the Africa Cup of Nations champions, a possible quarter-final meeting with France could extinguish their World Cup dreams for another four years.



2. USA

The USA starting eleven pose for a photo against Uruguay on the pitch prior to an international friendly soccer match at Children's Mercy Park in June 2022© Reuters

Lately the United States' form has been inconsistent, but there is a lot to like about the quality of this squad, particularly in the midfield, with numerous young and dynamic chance-creators including Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, who are coached by American Jesse Marsch at club level.

There are still questions about what the ideal centre-back pairing is and who is the most dependable striker, however, that is also the case for Wales and Iran, while England have not been blowing away their competition lately either.

We believe they will find a way to get into the top two in the group stage, but if they cannot top the group then they could face a difficult opponent in the last 16 and we do not foresee them going beyond that stage.



3. WALES

Wales players line up before the match in September 2022© Reuters

On paper, Wales will be delighted with their group. They have troubled England in the past, USA are talented but inconsistent and Iran are somewhat of an unknown quantity now that they possess more quality than in previous editions.

Nevertheless, we feel that Wales may just miss out. A balance needs to be found between maximising points from the USA and Iran games, and ensuring that they remain in contention before the final match versus England. For us, that may lead to one draw too many and finishing in third spot.



4. IRAN

Iran players pose for a team group photo before the match on November 10, 2022© Reuters

There is little doubt that Iran have made huge forward strides as a footballing nation in recent years, and they have every chance of edging USA or Wales into second spot in Group B.

We ultimately expect their lack of attacking fluency under Queiroz's management to hold them back from reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history, but there is likely to be very little in it within what appears to be an incredibly tight group.


ID:499986:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5414:
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
England's Kieran Trippier, Harry Kane and Kyle Walker with teammates during training on November 16, 2022
Read Next:
World Cup 2022: Every squad heading to Qatar, including most valuable players
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!