The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is just a month away and coaches are getting ready to name their final squads for the global showpiece event.
We take a look at Group B and who will expect to reach the knockout stages.
GROUP B
ENGLAND
Previous appearances:
15 (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018)
Best finish: Winners (1966)
Coach: Gareth Southgate (England)
Star player: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
England head into every tournament thinking they are among the frontrunners but have had some ignominious exits in past tournaments. They reached the semifinals four years ago and were also finalists in the Euros, so perhaps they are getting closer. They have the squad to be challengers.
IRAN
Previous appearances: Five (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018)
Best finish: Group Stage (five times)
Coach: Carlos Queiroz (Portugal)
Star player: Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto)
Iran are back for a third successive time at the World Cup and have recently re-installed Carlos Queiroz as captain. They are a workmanlike team with no real stars, and will battle to get out of the pool, something they have never managed in the past. They have a South African link through Roger de Sa, a long-time ally of Queiroz.
UNITED STATES
Previous appearances: 10 (1930, 1934, 1950, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
Best finish: Semifinals (1930)
Coach: Gregg Berhalter (USA)
Star player: Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
The United States come into the tournament on the back of a run of poor form that has many questioning coach Gregg Berhalter’s position. But they are the kind of side that could turn it around quickly and have good experience and no shortage of skill. Their tussle with Iran will be one of the politicians too!
WALES
Previous appearances: One (1958)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (1958)
Coach: Rob Page (Wales)
Star player: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC)
Wales have only ever been to one finals before but earned their place in Qatar through the playoffs. They have players in the premier League in England, but mostly also the lower leagues, so for them the major aim will be to get out of the pool. They bring passion and grit.