England faced off against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium earlier today as they hoped to collect maximum points and start their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign on a positive fashion. The Three Lions made a dominant start to the game and finally managed to get their noses ahead in the 35th minute courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s goal. Bukayo Saka doubled England’s advantage just eight minutes later before Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 to the Three Lions in the first half injury-time. Gareth Southgate’s men were leading 3-0 at half-time.
Saka made it 4-0 for England when he scored again just after the hour mark before Mehdi Taremi pulled a goal back for Iran in the 65th minute. Marcus Rashford came off the bench and got his name on the scoresheet just six minutes later. Jack Grealish put the icing on the cake when he scored in the 89th minute before Taremi converted from the penalty spot to get some pride back for Iran in injury time. The contest ended with the Three Lions earning a dominant 6-2 win at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Let’s take a look at how each England player fared during the clash against Iran.
GK: Jordan Pickford – 6/10
The English keeper made one great save late in the game but would be disappointed after conceding a couple of goals in the second half.
RB: Kieran Trippier – 7.5/10
He performed his defensive duties well and was a strong presence in the air.
CB: John Stones – 6/10
The Manchester City centre-back looked a bit shaky at the back but was very accurate with his passing.
CB: Harry Maguire – 7.5/10
Maguire kept things solid at the back for most of the game and was a threat going forward. He has got an assist to show for his efforts.
LB: Luke Shaw – 7.5/10
Shaw earned the ball back a couple of times and was quite lively in the final third. He ended the game with an assist to his name.
CM: Jude Bellingham – 8.5/10
He did his fair share of defending and scored the opening goal in the 35th minute.
CM: Declan Rice – 7/10
Rice made a few crucial interceptions inside his half but offered very little in the opponent’s half.
RW: Bukayo Saka – 9/10
Saka caused all sorts of problems for the Iran defenders and has got a brace of goals to his name.
CAM: Mason Mount – 7/10
The Chelsea talented created a few headaches for the opposition defenders but failed to register a goal today.
LW: Raheem Sterling – 8/10
He was a constant menace down the left flank and came off in the 70th minute with a goal and an assist to his name.
ST: Harry Kane – 7.5/10
The English forward didn’t get a sniff at goal but managed to engineer some meaningful chances for his teammates to score. He picked up a couple of assists during the game.
Substitutes:
CB: Eric Dier – 6/10
He failed to keep things solid at the back.
ST: Marcus Rashford – 7/10
He came off the bench and scored in the 71st minute.
RW: Phil Foden – 6/10
Foden was lively in the final third but there was no goal for him today.
LW: Jack Grealish – 7/10
He scored England’s sixth goal in the 89th minute.
ST: Callum Wilson – 7/10
Wilson came on and secured an assist.
