The key players Iran has to watch out for in England's 2022 World Cup team

The Persian League is one of the most exciting entertainments Iran can boast of. But the FIFA World Cup is even a more fantastic pie.

Iran was alight with excitement when the national team clinched qualification for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The excitement got even more intense after being paired in the same group as England and the United States.

Inevitably, England are the favorites to emerge as group winners. But then football is a beautiful game where underdogs notoriously upset favorites.

Some of the best Iranian players in the Persian league and in Europe can deliver on the big stage.

Bookmakers like 1xbet (you can bet on the app after 1xbet download) will provide exciting odds on the England vs. Iran encounter, knowing Gareth Southgate's men will be fatally mistaken to write off Iran.

If Iran can neutralize some key men in the English team, they can fancy their chances of snatching a memorable win.

Let us talk about those key men in the England team that Iran has to keep quiet.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

England is equipped with at least five competent right-backs playing in Europe's top five leagues. This includes the likes of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, Man United's Aaron Wan Bissaka, and Chelsea's Reece James.

However, Trent appears to best them all. His eagled-eyed vision and pinpoint crosses into the 18-yard box give him the edge over his compatriots. 

This season, T.A.A, as he is fondly called, has 11 assists and created 16 goal-scoring chances for Liverpool FC in the Premier League.

In addition, he has 28 tackles and 35 interceptions on defense for Liverpool, demonstrating his reliability at the back. What's more? Trent has only lost two matches this season while playing for Liverpool.

Iran will have to prevent those dangerous crosses he regularly pulls out and punish his overlapping runs.

Jordan Henderson

Henderson, another Liverpool player in the fray, possesses influence and experience that is far too valuable to be overlooked.

With age not on his side, the 31-year-old English midfielder may be playing in his final World Cup. He will undoubtedly use this occasion to make a final statement.

Jordan Henderson has a brilliant portfolio of memorable Liverpool moments. One of many examples is his winning goal in the Champions League group stage match against AC Milan this season.

Henderson's exploit is even more profound with the national team. He is a two-time recipient of the best English player award and recently added the runner-up medal in the 2020 Euro Champions.

Iran will have to deny him from staking his claim in the midfield. By choking Henderson in the middle of the pitch, distribution to the likes of Kane and Trent will be shackled.

Harry Kane

This prolific goalscorer is a player to keep an eye on throughout the 2022 World Cup. Thanks to his predatory instincts in front of goal, he has a reputation as one of the best Premier League strikers.

With 12 goals, he is currently tied for the fourth position in the goal scorers rankings. Besides, he is showing no signs of slowing down even at 28 years.

Apart from scoring goals, Harry Kane is dependable when it comes to providing assists. He currently has six assists in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Kane has scored 49 goals in 68 appearances for his country.

Iran's defenders will need to be on the top of their game to shut out Kane. They will need to deny him as much space around the box and keep a keen eye on his intelligent runs. 

Bukayo Saka

Since his professional debut for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka has steadily improved, always being a threat from the wing. He currently has nine goals for this club this season and is always looking to add more.

His pace and trickery have earned him a starting place in the Arsenal team, and he will be looking to replicate the same in the English team. Thankfully, he has age on his side.

His confidence has also grown due to his excellent performance with the English team in the last Euro tournament. As a result, he'll be seeking to use the forthcoming World Cup, his first, to show the rest of the world what he's capable of.

Iran's left-back or right-back will have a busy day clamping down on Saka, who will be likely deployed to the wing. Iran's forward wingers will consistently need to track back to help the fullbacks contain Saka.

Aaron Ramsdale

Of course, Iran will need to make the day miserable for England's shiny goalkeeper. Since his £24 million switch to Arsenal in 2021, the 23-year old English shot-stopper has been a revelation for his Arsenal side.

Authentically snatching the first choice berth from Bernd Leno, Aaron has shown no iota of slowing down. 

With 12 clean sheets for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, it will be no surprise if Ramsdale succeeds to unseat Jordan Pickford in goal, given his arduous season with Everton.

Conclusion

The English team has a wealth of talent. But Iran, with a strategic mix of courage and tactics, can hold their own against England.

Securing at least a point against England and winning against the United States represents Iran's most probable path to qualifying from the group stage.