England began their World Cup with a 6-2 win over Iran. The Khalifa International Stadium would be gifted a plethora of goals as Jude Bellingham (35′), Bukayo Saka (43′, 62′), Raheem Sterling (45+1′), Marcus Rashford (71′) and Jack Grealish (90′) all hit the back of the net.
It would be four-to-the-good for the team in white before Iran unlocked England’s defence through Mehdi Taremi (65′). The Porto striker would score his second ever World Cup in the 90+13th minute as John Stones attempted to block him with his outstretched arm.
This is the start that England will have wanted as the whistle sounded. The young stars shone brightly with some exciting play and even better goals.
The Premier League had a large influence on Gareth Southgate’s mind as he selected his 26-man-squad for the flight to Qatar. Jude Bellingham plies his trade for Borussia Dortmund in Germany and has been playing impressively since the start of the season.
The next game on England’s path will be America. The stage will be set at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. After scoring six in the opening match, England will be looking for more to advance out of the group.
RGE
Pen to paper 