(Photo by CARL RECINE / POOL / AFP)

World Cup Group B Odds, Preview and Tips for Matchday 1

The World Cup‘s first full day sees Group B come to the party with an enticing double-bill of action. England, semi-finalists four years ago, start their campaign against minnows Iran while their neighbours Wales are up against USA, but what do the World Cup Group B matchday 1 odds tell us?

England v Iran

• When? Monday, 21st November, 13:00 GMT
• Where? Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar
• Broadcast: BBC One

Political protests have undermined Iran’s build-up, but England have to be wary of Porto attacker Mehdi Taremi, who will pose a threat for Carlos Queiroz’s side even if his supply line is mediocre.

England are among the pre-tournament favourites and an opener against Iran should be a straightforward three points for Gareth Southgate’s side, who are strongly favoured in the World Cup Group B matchday 1 odds for this game. The Three Lions got to the semi-finals last time but were outclassed by Croatia in extra-time, then they went one step further before suffering home heartbreak by losing out against Italy in a penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 final just a year ago.

Harry Kane was the World Cup’s top scorer at Russia 2018 and could claim back-to-back Golden Boots with England having what seems like a relatively easy group. Kane heads to Qatar having had a good start to the Premier League season and is good value at 10/11 with 888Sport to score anytime. England’s form has been patchy since the Euros and they often start slowly at tournaments. The 4/6 on under 2.5 goals with 888Sport is a strong selection from the World Cup Group B odds for this one.

United States v Wales

• When? Monday, 21st November, 13:00 GMT
• Where? Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar
• Broadcast: ITV

Excitement is at fever pitch for Wales as they prepare to appear at the World Cup for the first time in more than 60 years. Wales have performed well at recent European Championships too – making it to the semis of France 2016 – prompting hopes that they will not just be at Qatar 2022 to make up the numbers, especially given Group B seems to be open behind the section’s clear favourites England.

Gareth Bale is naturally the player to watch and there is extra intrigue in the fact the forward now plays his football in MLS, alongside many members of the United States squad. Bale has long prioritised the World Cup over his domestic football but it is unclear if he will be fully fit in Qatar.

Nevertheless, the Wales talisman is the obvious player to watch for Robert Page’s side. His anytime scorer price of 15/8 with 888Sport seems like a good place to start here given his track record of saving his best performances for his country. Bale is widely regarded as the best player in Welsh football history and he hit the key goals in their qualifying campaign, including the decider against Ukraine after his free-kick was deflected into the net to secure Wales’ place at the 2022 finals.

Page will be hoping Bale is fully fit while there is also a headache for the coach – who replaced Ryan Giggs in the role a couple of years ago – over his senior stars Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey, who have both been carrying knocks in the past few weeks. There is hope that young players such as Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson, who could pair up down the right flank, will shine at Qatar 2022.

United States surprisingly failed to qualify for the last World Cup and, given their status as co-hosts of the 2026 tournament, will be keen to make up for lost time in Qatar. Fans in America have their doubts about the coach Gregg Berhalter, however, after they only squeezed through in qualification.

Christian Pulisic carries the American hopes but the forward has not developed as rapidly as expected having made his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund, earning a big-money move to Chelsea. Other players to watch out for include the powerful Juventus midfielder Winston McKennie, though the lack of pace at the back is something Wales might seek to exploit in this Group B game.

With Wales having only won one of their last seven competitive international matches, it is hard to side with them in the World Cup Group B matchday 1 odds for their clash with United States. They have also failed to score in both of their previous meetings with the United States as well. Both teams to score has landed in eight of Wales’ last ten games, though, so that is another option at a good price of evens with 888Sport. The draw seems like the most likely outcome for this one, with a price of 2/1 appealing at 888Sport on Wales and United States sharing the points from their opener.

Author: Jude Sutcliffe