Saka at the double as England start with six of the best
ENGLAND’S quest for glory in Qatar got off to a dream start as Bukayo Saka’s brace helped Gareth Southgate’s men roar to a 6-2 victory against Iran in their World Cup opener.
Having reached the semi-finals four years ago and finished as Euros runners-up last summer, the Three Lions arrived among the favourites despite a six-match winless run and Nations League relegation.
England ended that wait for a victory in style 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 netted within minutes of coming on in a thumping win that Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish also scored in.
It was a remarkable 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.
FIFA cited a technicality to prevent England wearing a rainbow armband in a country where homosexuality is outlawed, while the governing body’s care for fans and players is sure to come under further scrutiny.
There were empty seats at the Khalifa International Stadium due to its shoddy ticketing system and the fact Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand was able to continue before leaving with suspected concussion was appalling.
As a result of that there was 14 minutes of stoppage time at the end of a first half to cherish for Southgate’s side in Al Rayyan.
Teenager Bellingham expertly headed home his first international goal before Saka smashed home a stunning strike complemented by Sterling.
Saka added another before Mehdi Taremi scored for Iran, who were relieved that the Three Lions only managed to add two more through substitutes Rashford and Grealish. England were on course to match their biggest World Cup win, only for Taremi to score a lastgasp penalty.
“It feels amazing, I’m so happy, so proud. We got the win as well, so it’s a really special day,” said Saka.
“We needed that good start because we didn’t play our best coming into the tournament.
“There was a lot of talk and speculation about our form, but we showed everyone how much quality we have and what we can do.
“It’s amazing to get the win but we have to be consistent. We have the next game coming up in a few days and we have to win again.”
IN Group A yesterday The Netherlands left it late to secure a 2-0 win against Senegal in their opening game. Cody Gakpo finally broke Senegal’s resistance in the 86th minute and then Davy Klaassen added a second nine minutes into injury time.