England 6 Iran 2 reactions: a perfect start for Southgate’s young lions

England’s Fifa World Cup campaign got off to a flying start as they hit Iran for six in the opening match of group B at the Khalifa International Stadium.

It was “pretty much the perfect start” for Gareth Southgate’s side as they recorded their second biggest ever World Cup win, said Phil Dawkes on the BBC. There were five different England goalscorers – Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka (two), Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish – and the only surprise was Harry Kane not getting on the scoresheet. Though the England captain still contributed by creating two goals.

With three points and a +4 goal difference, England are now the early leaders in group B. They are two points ahead of Wales and the United States, who drew 1-1 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

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‘Great start, but we have to be better’

Speaking after the match Southgate said that the result was “a great marker to put down” ahead of their next group B game against the United States on Friday. He was, however, disappointed with the lack of concentration as Iran striker Mehdi Taremi scored twice in the second half, including a late penalty given by VAR.

“To win by that margin and play the way we did for the majority of the game we have to be really happy,” Southgate said. “I’ve got to be really happy, but we should not be conceding two goals at that stage in the game. We will have to be right on our game against the USA. It is a great start, but we have to be better.”

At 21 years and 77 days old, Arsenal forward Saka became England’s youngest player to score more than once in a single World Cup game. After England’s poor run of form coming into the tournament, Saka was delighted how the team “showed everyone how much quality we have” and “what we can do”.

Youngsters ‘charge the occasion’

“Yes, it was only Iran” and “yes, there will be some concerns over the concession of two goals”, said Mark Doyle on Goal.com. Southgate will be “ultimately judged” on where the Three Lions end up in Qatar, but this was “a fine way” for the England boss to kick off his campaign.

It was “a pleasure” to watch England play, said David Hytner in The Guardian. It was also a “relaxing experience” – how often has that been written about them during “the heat of a major tournament?”. Two of England’s younger players “charged the occasion”. Bellingham, 19, headed his first international goal, which was the “centrepiece” of a performance of “power, skill and precision”, while Saka, 21, scored a “firecracker” for his first as he “radiated menace” with his “every involvement”.

Given a 9/10 rating, Dortmund midfielder Bellingham was also praised by The Telegraph for the way he marked his World Cup debut. Becoming just the second England teenager to score at the tournament after Michael Owen, it was “another reminder” of what a “special talent” the Three Lions have in their ranks.

Group B table: as it stands

Fixtures and results

Monday 21 November

• England 6 Iran 2
• USA 1 Wales 1

Friday 25 November

• Wales vs. Iran (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; 10am; BBC/S4C)
• England vs. USA (Al Bayt Stadium; 7pm; ITV)

Tuesday 29 November

• Wales vs. England (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; 7pm; BBC/S4C)
• Iran vs. USA (Al Thumama Stadium; 7pm; BBC)