England are favourites

TIGHT GROUP: WALES, US AND IRAN WILL BE QUIETLY CONFIDENT OF ADVANCING

Clashes between England, Iran, the United States and Wales mean World Cup Group B is laced with political tension, but also boasts the highest average Fifa world ranking of any of the sections in Qatar.

Despite heading to the Middle East on the back of a six-game winless run, England undoubtedly start as favourites with Gareth Southgate’s men looking to finally end a 56-year wait to claim a major international trophy.

The Three Lions have come close recently, reaching the semifinals of the World Cup four years ago and the final of Euro 2020 on home soil.

However, a hectic schedule for Southgate’s squad with their clubs and little preparation time could see them caught cold in the group stages.

It was a lack of creativity from open play that saw England relegated from the Uefa Nations League as they twice failed to beat any of Germany, Hungary or Italy in recent months.

A goal drought was washed away in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley in their final competitive game before the tournament and the pressure is on Southgate to get the likes of Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham performing as regularly at international level as they do for their clubs.

England’s hopes could though come down to keeping captain Harry Kane fit as the Tottenham Hotspur striker bears down on becoming his country’s highest ever goalscorer.

Kane is just two goals short of Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 and is one of the favourites to walk away with another Golden Boot as the World Cup’s top goalscorer.

Iran’s preparations have been besieged by political turmoil.

Protests have swept across the nation in the wake of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini following her arrest by the country’s morality police.

With former Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz back as manager, Iran beat Uruguay in September to back up an impressive qualifying campaign.

A meeting with the United States brings back good memories for Team Melli of a 2-1 win in a politically-charged World Cup clash in 1998.

The Americans are back on the biggest stage after failing to qualify for Russia and have a squad now filled with experience at the highest level in Europe.

Wales return to the World Cup for the first time since 1958 in what could be Gareth Bale’s farewell on the international stage.

Bale has helped inspire his country to the knockout stages of the last two European Championships, famously reaching the semi-finals in 2016.