Rooney tells England & USA how to beat Iran coach Queiroz, who he knows from Manchester United

Wayne Rooney - the current DC United coach and England's highest ever scorer at international level - is better placed than many to advise his country and the USMNT about Iran.

He played under Iran's coach, Carlos Queiroz, at Manchester United when he was an assistant to the legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Together, they won five trophies at United - the Champions League, three Premier League titles and an English League Cup.

England plays Iran on Monday while the USA rounds off Group B against Queiroz - potentially a game Berhalter's side will have to win to advance into the knockouts of the World Cup.

Writing for The Times, Rooney recalled a' strong minded and stubborn' coach who he predicts will set Iran up to play defensively.

'Carlos likes his players to be very organized, very disciplined and to try to attack with speed,' Rooney said.

'So he will have Iran very well set up and the first goal is vital. If England score early, they’ll be comfortable, but the longer it goes without scoring, the more anxious they will become.'

Rooney also suggested England plays Trent Alexander-Arnold against Iran because attacking fullbacks will, he says, be key. That could also be a strength for USMNT with Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson enjoying the more offensive tasks in Berhalter's setup.

'Whenever you face a team that plays the way Iran are likely to, having full width is so important,' Rooney said.

'You see how teams like Manchester City break down defensive sides. They use their full backs to help stretch out the opposition across the pitch, and that is why I would pick Trent Alexander-Arnold for this game. Good crosses into the box will also be important.'

Iran is 20th in FIFA's world rankings, while USA is 16 and England is fifth.