Gareth Southgate's men were simply too good for Iran on the day, as England cruised past the Persian Stars to bag all three points.
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The first Group B game of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, between England and Iran, got underway at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Southgate’s team went with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pickford in goal. Trippier, Stones, Maguire, and Shaw were the starting back four. Bellingham and Rice were deployed in midfield, with Saka, Mount, and Sterling supporting Kane.
Read More: England vs Iran: Talking Points as Gareth Southgate’s men deliver a statement performance
On the other hand, Iran used a defensive back five consisting of Mohammadi, Hosseini, Cheshmi, Pouraliganji, and Moharrami. Carlos Queiroz deployed a 5-4-1 formation with FC Porto’s Taremi as the lone striker. Behind their starting striker are Safi, Karimi, Nourollahi, and Jahanbaksh.
Iran’s Taremi got things started as England intercepted quickly, enjoyed a lot of early possession, and dominated the game. England went on the attack right away, thanks to Trippier’s free-kick, which Kane fed to Maguire, who hit the side netting. Iran dropped deep as England intercepted yet another ball into the box from Shaw. Bellingham was unnoticed as the midfielder slid it past the goalie.
Trippier was at it again with a corner, this time whipping it to Harry Maguire, who nodded it down for Saka, giving England a 2-0 lead. England showed no signs of slowing down, as Harry Kane assisted England’s third goal, while Sterling added his name to the score sheet. Iran looked down and out before breaking through Mehdi Taremi in the 65th minute.
Rashford made an immediate impact after replacing Saka, slipping one past Iran’s goalkeeper to score England’s fourth. Iran pressed Taremi once more, but Dier cleared it. Bellingham came up forward and fed Wilson, who had space and went through the Irani defense before unselfishly arcing it to Grealish, who scored England’s sixth goal. Iran got a late consolation penalty as Taremi sent Pickford the wrong way to score his second. Gareth Southgate’s men were simply too good for Iran on the day, as England cruised past the Persian Stars to bag all three points.
Everyone loves Bukayo Saka, the young guy just impossible to dislike. What a goal. #ENGIRN pic.twitter.com/Jq4Y9JlSps
— Adam (@FGRAdam) November 21, 2022
Harry Maguire playing for : Man United England pic.twitter.com/S4IS9PqLoA
— Aftab (@aft__tb) November 21, 2022
Harry Maguire quand une grande compétition internationale démarre pic.twitter.com/7HmhliuHmy
— Scipion (@Scipionista) November 21, 2022
I’m seeing Messi in Bukayo Saka , Wallahi
— BLACKI.E (@iam_blackie) November 21, 2022
Jude Bellingham is a special, special player. He ran the game, did the defensive duties, drove with the ball, started moves off with decisive passing and opened the scoring. Whoever signs him has the future best midfielder on their hands and already one of the best in the world.
— The Arsenal Rat (@ollie_adler) November 21, 2022
