England began their 2022 World Cup campaign with a resounding 6-2 win against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Two goals from Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and strikes from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish ensured a comfortable victory for the Three Lions.
The Iranians got two goals of their own courtesy FC Porto’s on fire hitman, Mehdi Taremi, but they would only serve as consolation goals.
It wasn’t all rosy for the English team as Harry Maguire was forced off during the second half of their World Cup opener against Iran with a head injury. The Manchester United player was having a good game up until the injury, paying back Gareth Southgate’s decision to stick with the defender despite the unending criticism.
The win for England meant Southgate has now surpassed Sir Alf Ramsey as the Three Lions’ manager with the most victories at major tournaments with nine.
Saka won the man of the match award after his two goals. Speaking after the game, he said
“I can’t describe the feeling, it is amazing. I am so happy and so proud. We got the win as well so it is a really special day.
“We needed that good start. We haven’t played the best coming into the tournament. There was a lot of talk and speculation about our form but we showed everyone how much quality we have and what we can do.
“It is amazing to get the win under so much pressure. But we have to be consistent because we have the next game coming up in a few days and we have to win again.”
Up next for England is the USA on the 25th of November as the team continues their march to the next round.
