Saka double gets England off to winning start

Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)

England’s attempts to win a first World Cup since 1966 got off to the perfect start with a resounding 6-2 victory over Iran in Doha.

Gareth Southgate’s men were a level above what was expected to be stubborn opposition as Bukayo Saka helped himself to a brace in his first World Cup performance.

The nation from across the Gulf have traditionally been dogged at previous tournaments but were not helped by losing goalkeeper Alireza Beyranvand in the first half, which caused a lengthy stoppage.

The time spent treating the stricken stopper could have disrupted the flow of the game but England got their nose in front in the 35th minute when Jude Bellingham glanced home a header from a Luke Shaw cross.

Iran offered little in attack and were beaten before the half-time whistle. Saka’s first goal came courtesy of a slight deflection while Raheem Sterling brilliantly volleyed home to leave England cruising.

Saka added another in the second half, showing good feet to work some space in the box before slotting past the substitute goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini.

Iran restored a modicum of pride when Porto striker Mehdi Taremi fired home brilliantly off the underside of the crossbar but the four goal lead was soon restored when Marcus Rashford got in on the act shortly after joining the fray.

Fellow replacement Jack Grealish got his name on the scoresheet after good work from Callum Wilson set up a tap-in for the Manchester City winger.

There was still time for a second Iranian consolation which Taremi putting away a penalty. Team Melli will now need to get something from Friday’s clash with Wales or they will be eliminated.

England will take confidence from the manner of the performance but tougher tests lay ahead, with tasty encounters with the USA and Wales to come.

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