England up and running with an emphatic victory
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 spotkick 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.
Grealish kept his promise to a young fan after he marked his first
World Cup goal with a special celebration.
After scoring, Grealish marked the moment with a broad smile as he stretched his arms out to the side and rolled them in in waves.
Far from being a flippant or spontaneous reaction, the Manchester City forward was keeping a pledge he made to 11-year-old Finlay, who has cerebral palsy.
England head coach Gareth Southgate admitted he was annoyed to concede two goals, with the second coming from the penalty spot in the last seconds after a controversial VAR call.
“I’m a bit fed up with the end of it really,” Southgate said. “To win by that margin, to play as we did for the majority of the game, I’ve got to be really happy.
“But we shouldn’t be conceding two goals at that stage and we’ll have to be right on our game against the (United) States. It’s a great start but we’re going to have to be better.
“It’s a consequence of the scoreline a bit, we had 24 minutes of added time which is a long time to focus but we just lost concentration and when we play at a slower tempo we’re not anywhere near as effective.
“I’m a miserable so and so, I should be more excited but I’ve got to keep the team on the right track and we will have to be better.”
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was named player of the match for his two goals as he looks to erase the memories of his penalty miss during England’s shoot-out defeat in the European Championship final in 2021.
“I feel like I’m in a good place, I have the support from the fans,” Saka said. “I really feel the love from the fans, the coaching staff and my team-mates.
“I feel good, that’s all I need. I’m ready to give 100 per cent and I’ll continue to do that every time I put the shirt on.”