Denny, who netted a penalty in the 10-0 thrashing of New Caledonia on Saturday, dropped to the bench for this one but would make a huge impact when he did come on. Michael Golding was his replacement in midfield, while Josh Acheampong and Ishe Samuels-Smith retained their places in defence.

In the pouring rain in Jakarta, England started the better against a dogged Iran side who had stunned Brazil in their opening game, coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

Iran struck first, however, Abolfazl Zamani forcing the ball over the line from close range when the Young Lions failed to clear a corner.

On an increasingly sodden pitch, England struggled to break Iran down until Denny’s introduction. Just four minutes after coming on he exchanges passes with Matty Warhurst before calming sliding the ball into the corner of the net from 18 yards out (celebrated top).

Golding had a couple of sights of goal as England pressed for a winner, which arrived in the 90th minute, Joel Ndala whipping a loose ball into an unguarded net from a tight angle after the Iran keeper lost control of it.

With six points from their opening two games, England have all but secured their place in the round of 16 as four third-placed teams advance from the group stages. To finish third, they would have to lose to Brazil, and Iran would have to beat New Caledonia by a huge margin.

The England vs Brazil game is on Friday in Jakarta.