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FIFA Men's World Cup, Group Stage - Group B - Matchweek 1
6
winner indicator
Mon Nov 21, 2022
Full Time
winner indicator
2
J. Bellingham 35'
B. Saka 43'
R. Sterling 45'+1'
B. Saka 62'
M. Rashford 71'
J. Grealish 90'
goal
2.11
xG
1.75
goal
M. Taremi 65'
M. Taremi 90'+13' (PEN)

Full highlights and analysis from England's rout of Iran in 2022 World Cup opener

England dominated Iran 6-2 in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a well-taken header before Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling extended England's lead in the first half.
Caoimhe O'Neill
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Summary

England dominated Iran 6-2 in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a well-taken header before Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling extended England's lead in the first half.

Saka scored a fourth for Gareth Southgate's side in the second half before Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for Iran. Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish scored late in the second half to add gloss to the result for England, while Taremi managed a late consolation goal from the spot.

For a deeper analysis of the game, click here.

Background reading

(Photo: Getty Images)

Highlights for readers in the US

Check them out below.

Highlights for readers in the UK

Make sure to follow our Twitter account for updates throughout the games.

Qatar making progress?

Our writer Matt Slater was at the Fan Festival today and offers his views...

Carlos Queiroz calls on Iran fans: 'Let them play the game, that's all we ask'

โ€œYou don't imagine, you don't even know, what these kids have been living in the past few days," the Iran manager tells reporters after the match.

"Just because they want to play football. Whatever they do, whatever they say, they want to kill them.

"Can you imagine at that stage of your life, that whatever you do, or say, or think, youโ€™re killed? They only have one hope: to play for the people and the country.

"So let them play the game. Thatโ€™s the only thing we ask.โ€

Kane limping after game

The England captain was replaced in the second half but Gareth Southgate will be hoping his slight limp after the game is nothing to be too concerned about.

Carlos Quieroz tells jeering Iran fans to stay at home

"Everybody knows the present circumstances, of the environment of my players is not the best environment, in term of commitment, concentration, because they are affected by those issues," he said.

"They are human beings, they are kids, I know them for a lot of years, they only have one dream, to follow the legends of the Iran country, play for the country, play for the people, and enjoy playing for the people.

"I am very proud of them, the way they stand up, keep fighting, and scored two goals against England under these circumstances.

"They did well, very proud of what they did. But of course if you want one example, in 2014 and 2018, we had full support from fans.

"Now, you saw what happened today. Thatโ€™s why I invite the fans of Iran who are not here already to support the team, they should stay at home.

"Why do they come here to not support the team? It would be much better for them to stay at home. We donโ€™t need them. Itโ€™s something the players feel when they are not playing.โ€

England's victory analysed

Our writers Dominic Fifield, Liam Tharme and Alexander Abnos analyse the key talking points of Englandโ€™s scintillating 6-2 victory over Iran.

Southgate not satisfied

The England manager believes there is still plenty of room for improvement despite their resounding victory.

Mature performance from a youthful England side

Overall I thought that was a really patient and efficient performance from England.

There were not exactly wild scenes at the final whistle, perhaps because the win had been so obvious for so long, or because of the very length injury time in each half, or the two late Iran goals.

But Southgate and his players still looked very satisfied and they went over to receive the praise of the travelling England fans.

By the end of the game they were singing 'Southgate you're the one', suggesting that the ugly scenes Southgate faced in June and in September may be receding from view again now,

Best stat

I have fired a few stats at you already. This one is my favourite.

In football one of the most joyous things to watch is a long passing sequence which leads to a goal.

England players celebrate with their families

England players celebrate with their families
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The England players are trying to snatch a few minutes with their families after the match by the side of the pitch.

James Maddison's little one is receiving a lot of love!

Saka on scoring at a World Cup: 'I can't describe the feeling'

Bukayo Saka is one happy man after scoring two goals on his World Cup debut for England.

"I canโ€™t describe the feeling," Saka said. "It is a really special day... We needed that good start. We showed everyone today how much quality we have and what we can do. We have to be consistent... I feel the love from the fans!"

Saka the starboy

Bukayo Saka has become the fourth Arsenal player to score for England at a major tournament.

Even better, he's the first-ever Arsenal player of any country to score twice in a match at a men's World Cup.

A prodigal talent.

Bellingham and Saka dominate

Bellingham and Saka lead the way, Maguireโ€™s passing, concussion protocol failure, Englandโ€™s set-piece mastery, Quierozโ€™s selection mistakes...

We have all the major talking points covered in this live piece. Go on, get stuck in.

Iran squad in huddle after game

Iran squad in huddle after game
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The Iran squad are forming a long huddle after the final whistle, in what must have been an emotional day on and off the pitch.

Southgate surpasses Sir Alf

This is an impressive stat.

Pressure was starting to build on this England team and Gareth Southgate coming into the tournament but they, under his tutelage, have delivered another win.

Full-time: England 6-2 Iran

England start their World Cup campaign with a win.

It was a superb and confident performance with Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka (2), Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish all getting in on the goalscoring act.

It will perhaps be the two goals conceded, scored by Iran's main man Mehdi Taremi, which might quietly annoy Gareth Southgate and in particular Jordan Pickford who will have wanted a clean sheet.

Really bright, really positive on the whole though โ€“ I sound like I'm a manager don't I โ€“ and perhaps for England fans an exciting sign of things to come...

GOAL! Taremi from the spot

90+13': And that's a wrap. Mehdi Taremi scores again for Iran with the last kick of the game from the penalty spot.

Penalty to Iran

90+11': Iran have been awarded a penalty for a push in the box which was awarded after a VAR check.

Team Stats

ENG

IRN

Game Details

Location
Khalifa International Stadium