Queiroz: That defeat will help us prepare for Wales

HEAD coach Carlos Queiroz believes the 6-2 hammering against England has made Iran better prepared to beat Wales.

Normally well drilled and hard to beat, Team Melli were on the backfoot from the outset in the Group B opener at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling goals put England in control at half-time.

Saka grabbed another before substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish struck, with Mehdi Taremi scoring two consolation goals.

“My view is simple and very pragmatic: the game finished in the first half when we conceded the goals that usually the Iran national team is not used to conceding,” Queiroz said.

“Being 3-0 down, the only goal for our team was to enjoy the game and be part of one moment that we should keep brave, united, fighting and try to play our football in moments England allow us to do that.

“The beginning was clear, the difference between high-level competitive football, between players that are competing every week. Every single week.

“And our players that unfortunately don’t have the same experience.

“But what I can say as a conclusion is we win or learn. We had the privilege to learn a lot of things today with the English team and we are much better prepared now to play against Wales.”

Iran’s defeat pales into insignificance compared to the dreadful situation at home.

The players poignantly stood in silence during the national anthem in a stand of solidarity with those being mistreated, imprisoned and killed protesting for gender equality.

Fans booed during that stance and Iran boss Queiroz was furious.

“Everybody knows the present circumstances and environment of my players,” the former Manchester United assistant manager said.

“It’s not the best environment in terms of commitment and concentration because they are affected by those issues.

“They are human beings, they’re kids. I’ve know them for a lot of years. They only have one dream, which is to follow the legends of the Iranian country, play for the country, play for the people, enjoy to play for the people.

“And I’m very proud of them.”