England cruised to a 6-2 victory over Iran in the opening game of Group B as young stars Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka scored the Three Lions' first two goals.
Raheem Sterling put the game out of reach three minutes after Saka’s goal. You’ll notice the England barrage came without any goals from Harry Kane, the player most vital to England’s hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time since 1966. Goals from players other than Kane are what can make this England side so dangerous.
England coach Gareth Southgate eschewed three center backs and two wing backs in favor of four at the back and three midfielders against an Iran team that was overmatched and unable to hold onto the ball. England played with five at the back throughout most of its run to the Euro 2020 final a year ago and the preferred formation could be back against the United States on Friday.
The addition of an extra midfielder meant Mason Mount played at the top of a midfield three with Bellingham and Declan Rice. The latter stayed at the base of the midfield while Bellingham was able to do what he does best and get up the field when necessary. The Borussia Dortmund player is coveted by the top squads in the English Premier League and an excellent performance in Qatar will only make his transfer fee even larger.
Saka played out wide after becoming a first-choice player at the Euros. He showed no lack of confidence from missing the deciding penalty in the Euro final against Italy. Just look at his willingness to find space in the box for England’s fourth goal of the game.
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