Photo courtesy of Anne-Christine Poujoulat | Getty Images
EDITOR’s NOTE: Elevated Media does not condone the conditions in which the World Cup came together nor is our coverage acceptance of the outdated viewpoints of Qatari leaders.
“God Save The King” was heard through televisions around the world as England and Iran entered the final moments of their match on Monday morning.
England fans had plenty of reason to celebrate as the Three Lions opened their World Cup with a 6-2 victory over Iran. Jude Bellingham would open the floodgates in the 35th minute and England would add two more before halftime. Iran’s star man Mehdi Taremi would contribute two, but they look to be little more than consolation.
England entered with the fifth-highest odds of winning the World Cup and as heavy favorites to advance from Group B. Their opening match against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium would be an opportunity for the Three Lions to show exactly how good they were. England also hoped to snap a six-match winless streak. Iran had won three and drawn three in their previous six.
One surprise from this match was England’s opening formation, as they went to a four-at-the-back rather than the three-at-the-back that manager Gareth Southgate has run so consistently. However, it did not look like England was out of place as they dominated possession from the opening kick, although the Three Lions struggled to turn that possession into chances.
England’s first chance would spell disaster for Iran as goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand collided with one of his defenders and had to be taken off the pitch. The star keeper had an impressive game against Portugal in the 2018 World Cup but would see this match end early. He would be replaced by Hossein Hosseini.
Still, England would have to wait for more than half an hour before finding the back of the net. Bellingham would electrify England fans as the midfielder’s head guided the ball past Hosseini. It was the first goal the 19-year-old has scored for the Three Lions and it is one to remember, opening England’s World Cup run.
It wouldn’t be long before Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka both added to that score sheet before halftime as their pace proved lethal on the attack and catching Iran out of position.
Saka added another in the 62nd and extended England’s lead to 4-0 before Taremi scored Iran’s first in the 65th minute after a great build-up from the Iranian team. The reprieve for Iran would not last long as the pace of the England front three led to Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish getting their first goals of the World Cup and cementing England’s win. A penalty from Taremi would make the scoreline look better, but not change the outcome as England topped Iran 6-2.
England now turns their attention to the United States, seen as the greatest threat to the Three Lions in Group B. Iran will see Wales as they fight for their World Cup lives. Both matches will be played Friday.
