FIFA World Cup: Group B Preview

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner and football fans across the world could not be more excited.

Although it's a bit different with the tournament being held in the middle of a season, the stakes are as high as ever as 32 countries battle it out to be world champions.

With the tournament getting so close now - here are the predictions for Group B. 

England

Key player/s: Harry Kane, Declan Rice

Whilst Declan Rice may come as a surprise, it's no secret that England's most vital player is Harry Kane. 

He was the last World Cup's golden boot winner and has 51 goals in 75 appearances for England, not to mention his 11 goals in 14 Premier League games this season. 

I've decided to select Declan Rice here due to the fact that when it comes to defensive midfielders, England have very little to choose from. Jordan Henderson has passed his time, Kalvin Phillips is injured and they have no one else good enough to play at the International level.

Without Rice there is a gaping hole in the England midfield that no one is able to fill. He is vital to this squad.

Player/s to watch: Jude Bellingham

Quite possibly the world's best young star, Jude Bellingham will be looking to prove that he can quickly adapt to International level just like he's done in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund. 

The 19-year-old central midfielder is already one of the club's leaders, and plays with an insane amount of passion every time he steps onto the pitch.

He's also quietly putting together a stellar season, tallying 11 G/A from 20 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions. 

Bellingham could be a big X-factor for England at this World Cup.

Prediction: Group Winners

Whilst their preparation for this World Cup has been far from ideal, England has drawn a relatively weak group and they should be getting out of it without too much trouble. 

Top of the group, comfortably through to the knockout stages.

Iran

Key player/s: Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi could easily be the surprise packet of this World Cup, having been in some stellar form for Porto recently.

The 30-year-old striker has 20 G/A in 18 goals for the Portuguese giants, including five goals in the Champions League. 

With both Wales and USA in this group, it's highly likely goals will come for Taremi, it's just a matter of how many.

Player/s to watch: Sadegh Moharrami

26-year-old right full-back Sadegh Moharrami has been playing consistent football for Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb and could be a bit of an X factor for Iran at the World Cup.

Moharrami has been at Zagreb since January 2020, but has only really played consistent first-team football this season.

He also featured in all of Zagreb's six Champions League games this season. He's a bit of a left field pick, but could be a very solid performer for Iran.

Prediction: 3rd in group

Iran won't be going through to the knockout stages of the World Cup. Whilst they do have some very dangerous attacking options, their defence is not the strongest and should be getting torn apart by both England and USA. 

A result against Wales is possible, but a group stage exit is inbound for Iran. 

USA

Key player/s: Christian Pulisic

I don't think there's a doubt in anyone's mind that Christian Pulisic is the USA's most important player. His record for his country is tremendous, tallying 33 G/A from 51 appearances.

His saucy dribbling and eye for goal is the best in his squad and his experience playing for seasons at Chelsea will be very valuable in what seems to be a young American squad. 

Player/s to watch: Gio Reyna

American wunderkind Giovanni Reyna has been touted as a player that can become as good as anyone and he will have the chance to show everyone that very soon.

It's unclear as to how much game time Gregg Berhalter is going to give him, but he will definitely get enough minutes to show what he is made of.

Prediction: 2nd in group 

This USA squad is amongst some of the youngest in the tournament, and whilst there is plenty of inexperience around, they are also filled with bucketloads of talent. 

They should be comfortable getting past Wales and Iran and could even go as far as the quarter finals depending on their belief, as the great Ted Lasso would say.

Wales

Key player/s: Kieffer Moore

90% of people would be saying Gareth Bale, but I'm going a little bit more left field for this one. 

Kieffer Moore may not be the best technical footballer in the world, but the guy just scores.

His international record is not incredible, but since signing for Bournemouth in January, he's scored seven times in 18 games including two important Premier League goals against Tottenham.

His ability to score with his head is among the best and standing at 6'5, all it takes is a Neco Williams cross to his head and it's a good chance it hits the back of the net.

Without him, Wales don't really have a recognised striker that suits their game plan, he is crucial to this team.

Player/s to watch: Brennan Johnson

The 21-year-old forward is built for big moments, as evident when he played a huge role in Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League last season.

As far as big moments go, it doesn't get much bigger than the World Cup, and Brennan Johnson has a big chance to show the World why he is Wales' next big thing.

Johnson can be deployed anywhere across the front three, and has recently been playing as a second striker or right winger for Wales. Expect him to do some exciting things.

Prediction: Last in Group

Wales do have some exciting players with the likes of Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams, along with the quality of Gareth Bale, but that won't be enough to compete with the likes of USA and England.

A result against Iran is possible, but with the threat of Mehdi Taremi against the lacklustre Welsh defence, it's quite possible they get opened up.

A disappointing World Cup campaign awaits Wales.

Matchday Picks

MD1:

England 2-1 Iran

USA 3-1 Wales

MD2:

England 2-2 USA

Wales 2-3 Iran

MD3:

Iran 1-2 USA

Wales 0-3 England

TABLE

                      W       D       L        P              

• England     2         1       0        7

• USA            2         1       0        7 

• Iran             1         0       2        3

• Wales         0         0       3        0