Iran play the spy game

FROM DAVID MCDONNELL IRAN players have been getting inside tips on how to tackle England – from former Brighton forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Jahanbakhsh, who played for Brighton for three years, has revealed how he used his time playing in the Premier League to warn Iran’s players what to expect in the Group B opener against Gareth Southgate’s side on Monday.

“The few seasons I spent in England definitely helped me get some experience and helped me get more familiar with the English players’ mentality,” said the Iran skipper. “I’ve played with a lot of English players, some of whom have represented the national team.

“So I’m very familiar with their mentality, their vision and the way they approach the game. I’ve tried to transfer these points to my team-mates. We are committed to doing our best to make sure we can achieve the result we want.”