England launch bid for WC glory after Qatar slump to defeat

Asian champions Qatar became the first home nation to lose their opening World Cup match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory on Sunday, with veteran forward Enner Valencia scoring twice. England, who meet Iran in Group B, will be desperate to start strongly as they target an end to their decades-long trophy drought after two near misses in recent years.

Gareth Southgate's men made a surprise run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Russia before reaching their first major final for 55 years at last year's European Championship. Despite his success as England boss, Southgate has faced criticism over his perceived negative tactics and pressure has mounted after a poor run of results.

"The first thing for a coach is to enable (the team) to win," he said. "Then of course you want to play football that excites people, that players enjoy. Our challenge is to give supporters a tournament that is memorable. We have taken them on a fantastic ride in the last two tournaments." With tougher matches to come against the United States and Wales, England cannot afford a slow start against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium.

England's opener takes place against the background of deadly demonstrations in the Islamic republic. Iran's clerical leadership has been shaken by more than two months of women-led protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman of Kurdish origin who had been arrested by the morality police in Tehran.

The Iran players will be watched closely for signs of any support for the protests. Defender Ehsan Hajsafi said: "They should know that we sympathise with them," adding that "conditions at home are not good".