England have rocketed off to a thrilling start at the Qatar World Cup, with a six-goal mauling of Iran....CONTINUE READING
With a six goal flurry and an electric pace of football, England signalled to the sporting elite that their World Cup 2022 assault is to be taken seriously.
Goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish were more than enough to leave Iran thoroughly dazed and dumbfounded.
Playing in their first World Cup, wonderkids Bellingham and Saka wasted little time in stamping their authority on the fixture.
Arsenal man Saka rattled home a stunning brace, as Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate watched on like a proud father figure from the touchline in Doha.
In a match which the teenager Bellingham dominated from midfield – while also grabbing his first senior England goal – the men in white ran riot.
Manchester United’s resurgent force Rashford needed only minutes to notch his effort, while fellow super sub Grealish had a similar impact on the main stage.
After riding various concerns, including a troublesome knock for captain Harry Kane and a concussion scare for Harry Maguire, England emerged truipmhant and top of Group B.
At late, and highly contenious, Iran penalty did little to dampen spirits. Mehdi Taremi added to his earlier strike from 12-yards.
The however mood is perfectly poised ahead of a return to action, when the Three Lions lock horns with the USA on Friday evening.
