England hit Iran

There was a lot going on at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium yesterday: eight goals, 29 minutes injury-time, protests banned and performed, ticket problems and a concussion controversy, but the abiding takeaway was that England are real World Cup contenders.

Gareth

Southgate’s team brushed off a six-match winless run to thrash Iran 6-2 with a dynamic display of attacking football.

Fielding nine of the XI that started the Euros final in 2021, lost on penalties to Italy, England were impressive.

The exceptions to that Wembley starting line-up, 19-year-old Jude Bellingham and 21-year-old Bukayo Saka, were both on the scoresheet, along with Raheem Sterling, in an 11-minute first-half