England hammered Iran 6-2 in Qatar today to begin their 2022 World Cup campaign with a bang. The Three Lions pulled away in the first half with goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Saka was the star of the show as the Arsenal starlet produced a fine display on the right edge of the attack. He added his second after the break as Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also scored. Iran pulled a goal back in the second half thanks to Mehdi Taremi’s effort and he grabbed a brace by converting a late penalty.
NationalWorld are in Qatar thanks to Rahman Osman’s presence and the football writer has provided his take on proceedings with his player ratings. The gallery below includes game pictures aplenty from the win too.
NationalWorld are in Qatar thanks to Rahman Osman’s presence and the football writer has provided his take on proceedings with his player ratings. The gallery below includes game pictures aplenty from the win too.
5. LB - Luke Shaw, 7.5
Special in so many ways but his crossing is one of the things that has made him quite a unique modern day full back- and that was on display throughout the game | AFP via Getty Images
6. RW - Bukayo Saka, 9
Super strike almost on the volley for his first goal. He then bettered it by dancing through the Iranian defence before scoring his personal second and England’s fourth. Aged 21, he already feels like a key member of the England team | AFP via Getty Images
7. CM - Jude Bellingham, 7.5
The man who got England going with an absolute sublime header. A real super star and aged just 19, there is feeling that this will be his tournament | AFP via Getty Images
8. CM - Declan Rice, 6.5
Nothing really got past him in the first half and just seemed to be ahead of anything Iran attempted to do, be it a pass behind or just a through ball. Took his leg off the peddle in the second half, would have had a much higher rating | Getty Images