As Russia get off to flier Gerrard: Three Lionscancope withpressure

happy for helping the team and I’m happy for my family, who have suffered so much with my injuries. So I’m extremely happy but we shouldn’t stop here: if you relax, you are out.”

He also neatly swerved questions about why he did not start and said he did not think much about either goal, as they both happened so fast.

The mood in the Saudi camp, however, could not be more different and their Spanish coach Juan Antonio Pizzi did not try to sugarcoat it.

“Results like this don’t happen often in World Cups and we need to recover from this shameful situation,” said Pizzi. “I trust my players and I trust we’ll have a better performance in the next game.”

And just to underline Cherchesov’s point about not getting carried away, Pizzi had this message for Russia’s fans: “They won without doing much.” Former England captain Steven Gerrard believes Gareth Southgate’s players can cope with World Cup scrutiny – even if he claims some of it has already overstepped the mark.

The squad arrived in Russia this week with expectations well below the hype which has accompanied previous tournaments.

Rangers boss Gerrard thinks that could benefit the squad, although he insists players will still be aware they carry the hopes of millions of fans.

“I don’t feel there is huge pressure or expectation like previous years,” Gerrard said.

“But players are aware there is that extra spotlight on them.

“It is on the TV and players have social media so they are not going to get away from what’s being said. This is why these players are the best because they should be able to handle the scrutiny.”

However, players can find themselves facing attention for other reasons – as witnessed by the focus on Raheem Sterling’s gun tattoo.

Gerrard said: “I think the treatment of Raheem has been over the top. I’d prefer if people focused on his form on the pitch.”

Expectations may be lower this time around but Gerrard believes Southgate’s bold approach and decisionmaking will only benefit the squad.

“He is clear in what he wants,” Gerrard said.

While victory in Russia may be unlikely, Gerrard hopes the team can return with some pride.

“With a slice of luck, Gareth’s bravery and some good players in the squad, I hope they will come back and everyone looks at them proudly.”

minute after coming on as a substitute

Advantage, hosts: Yury Gazinsky, centre, rises to head Russia in front against Saudi Arabia in Moscow

High five: Aleksandr Golovin, right, watches as his free kick nestles in the net to make it 5-0 to Russia

Fine finish: Denis Cheryshev curls in his second goal