Give us your best group bet

Croatia could upstage Belgium in Group F. The Belgians boast an ageing squad and with Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku operating way below their best, they seem very reliant on Kevin De Bruyne. I don’t think there is much between them and Croatia, who have lost only one of their last 15 matches.

I’ll take Germany to win Group E in what should be a two-horse race with Spain. Germany have improved a lot since their group-stage exit in Russia and they appear to have better attacking players than Spain, who may struggle to score enough goals.

Netherlands to win all their group matches. The Dutch won all of their group games at Euro 2020 and could finish Group A with a 100 per cent record. Senegal will be a tough nut to crack but once they get past them in their opener, they should sweep aside Ecuador and Qatar.

Denmark to win Group D. Favourites France have had a difficult build-up to their World Cup defence, including home and away defeats to the Danes in the 2022-23 Nations League. Denmark displayed great character and quality to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and have little to fear from Australia and Tunisia.

Iran to qualify from Group B. There are not many Fifa ranking places between the USA, Wales and Iran. Conditions should favour Iran, and the odds may understate the chance in this setting of them finishing top of that trio – or of group favourites England sliding into the mix.

Iran to qualify from Group B. They could provide England with a tough opening clash and there is a feeling the conditions will be favourable to their cause. They are also no mugs – Iran won their Asian qualification section and have plenty of big tournament experience, so could eclipse the USA and Wales.