Is it coming home? England cruised to a 6-2 victory over Iran in their World Cup 2022 opener showing their intent to win the coveted cup they have been pursuing for decades.
Gareth Southgate settled on Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling as his choice of attackers to lead the onslaught against manager Carlos Queiroz’s side.
Despite Iran parking the bus and opting for a tight 5-4-1 formation against England’s star-studded squad, knowing very well England’s ability and attacking threat.
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Jude Bellingham scored the first goal of the tournament for England in his World Cup debut for the Three Lions, before Saka and Sterling put England three goals up, going into the half-time break.
A second strike by Saka and goals from Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish in the second half, sealed Iran’s fate as England stylishly grabbed maximum points from their opener.
Mehdi Taremi then offered Iran some solace by scoring a brace, with his first goal coming off a clinical finish that saw his shot scream past Jordan Pickford, robbing the shot-stopper of a clean sheet in the 65′ minute after a seamless night between the posts.
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Late drama emanated at the Khalifa International Stadium after a VAR review awarded Iran a penalty in the dying minutes of extra time, which Taremi cooly slotted into the bottom right corner.
England who currently top Group B next face USA on Friday, November 25.
As previously reported Harry Maguire started in England’s World Cup opener against Iran in a back four, with Gareth Southgate opting for a 4-3-3 formation.
Maguire impressed against Iran, only conceding a goal in his 70 minutes played.
His inclusion was controversial given that he has only made one Premier League start since September, but the Manchester United defender has played a key role in England’s last two major tournaments.
The 29-year-old was instrumental in England’s World Cup semi-final run in 2018 and was named to the tournament team as England finished runners-up at Euro 2020.
