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Full highlights and analysis from England's rout of Iran in 2022 World Cup opener
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
- World Cup fixtures and full schedule
- World Cup group tactical guides: Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H
- Your guide to every team at Qatar 2022
- World Cup 2022 injuries: Who's out, who's doubtful?
(Photo: Getty Images)
Highlights for readers in the US
Check them out below.
Highlights for readers in the UK
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Carlos Queiroz calls on Iran fans: 'Let them play the game, that's all we ask'
โYou 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, youโre killed? They only have one hope: to play for the people and the country.
"So let them play the game. Thatโs 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. Thatโs 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 donโt need them. Itโs 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 Englandโs 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
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 canโt 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, Maguireโs passing, concussion protocol failure, Englandโs set-piece mastery, Quierozโs 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
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
