(Football news) England got off to a flying start in their 2022 World Cup campaign with a 6-2 victory over Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium. One of the brightest aspects of the match for England was the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford finding the back of the net. The result meant that Gareth Southgate has now won more matches in major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) than any other Egland manager (9 wins), surpassing Alf Ramsey’s record of 8 victories.
Jude Bellingham scored his first goal for England on his World Cup debut in the 35th minute with a magnificent header before Bukayo Saka (43) and Raheem Sterling (45+1) found the back of the net. Saka then scored his second goal of the match in the 62nd minute but Iran pulled a goal back just three minutes later through Mehdi Taremi. However, it was just a warning by Iran as Marcus Rashford was brought on and scored England’s fifth goal with his third touch in the 71st minute while another substitute Jack Grealish scored England’s sixth in the 90th minute.
Despite the fact that it’s only Iran, Southgate will undoubtedly be happy about England’s performance in the opening match. The likes of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka scored on their World Cup debuts while 25 year old Marcus Rashford also found the back of the net immediately after coming on. As we have seen in the last decade, World Cup winners have traditionally been teams with a good crop of young players who are reaching their prime along with experienced players who have represented their country at the biggest stage previously.
Speaking after the match, Gareth Southgate said “I'm a bit fed up with the end of it. To win by that margin and play the way as we did for the majority of the game we have to be really happy. We looked ready. We wanted to be that type of team. They dealt with the game really well, there were lots of stoppages but our pressing and movement was really good. I've got to be really happy but we should not be conceding two goals at that stage in the game. We will have to be right on our game against the USA. It is a great start but we have to be better."
On England's sloppy finish: "It's a consequence of the score, we had 24 mins of added time across the game and it is a long time to focus and we just lost concentration. When we play at a slow tempo we are nowhere near as effective." On being pleased overall: "We have some good players and today they really delivered. Our attacking players looked a threat, our defence in the first hour controlled the game and were patient. The midfield were excellent and our forwards looked a threat. It is a great maker to put down. What I particularly liked was Jack Grealish's goal with Callum Wilson on. He could have been selfish but he was thinking of the team even at that moment. I'm miserable. I should be more excited but I have to keep the team on the right track."
Also read: How will Karim Benzema's absence from the World Cup affect France?
