The Guardian (Nigeria)

Bukayo Saka hits brace as England rout Iran 6- 2

Suspected bomb scare forces Black Stars to evacuate hotel

- By Christian Okpara

BUKAYO Saka, born of Nigerian parents, was England’s hero yesterday as the Three Lions began their Qatar 2022 World Cup journey with a resounding 6- 2 defeat of hapless Iran.

The Arsenal golden boy struck twice in a game Gareth Southgate’s men used to announce their arrival as one of the favourites for the World Cup title.

Having reached the semi- finals four years ago and finished as Euros runners- up last summer, England arrived among the favourites despite a six- match winless run and Nations League relegation.

England ended that wait for a victory as superb Saka scored twice in his first major tournament appearance since missing his spot- kick in last year’s European Championsh­ip final defeat to Italy.

Marcus Rashford has not represente­d the national team at all since missing his attempt in that shootout and scored within minutes of coming on in a win that Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish also scored in.

It was a positive way to start the tournament, with the Group B opener a night to savour given the challengin­g build- up to a tournament mired in controvers­ies and questions about hosts Qatar’s suitabilit­y.

It was, however, a bad day for Africa as continent’s brightest hope for a good outing, Senegal, began on a losing note. The Teranga Lions were beaten by a plucky Holland 2- 0 despite matching the 1988 European champions toe- to- toe for much of the game.

The Netherland­s scored twice in the final minutes through Cody Gakpo and substitute Davy Klaassen to beat the African champions at Al Thumama Stadium.

The Dutch, who missed out on the 2018 World Cup, looked to be heading for a scrappy goalless draw after wasting several good chances, but man- of- thematch, Gakpo, beat keeper Edouard Mendy and nod in a deep Frenkie De Jong cross with the back of his head.

 ?? ?? Bukayo Saka ( middle) celebrates with his teammates after scoring England’s opening goal during the Three Lions’ 6- 2 defeat of Iran… yesterday.
Bukayo Saka ( middle) celebrates with his teammates after scoring England’s opening goal during the Three Lions’ 6- 2 defeat of Iran… yesterday.

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