Bukayo Saka seized redemption - scoring two goals in a man-of-the-match performance as England opened their World Cup bid in sensational style.
Saka, the 21-year-old Arsenal winger who missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out defeat by Italy, could not conceal his joy as Gareth Southgate’s men showed no mercy.
He found the net once in each half as the Three Lions roared at the Khalifa Stadium to reward the England boss for the faith he’s shown in him. Saka’s smile after he had put England 2-0 up lit up the stadium - and he said: “I can't describe the feeling. It’s amazing.
“I am so happy and so proud. We got the win as well so it is a really special day. I feel in a good place. I feel the support and love from the fans, the coaching staff and my team-mates. That is all I need. I feel ready to give 100% and I will continue to do that every time I put the shirt on.
"We needed that good start. We haven't played the best coming into the tournament. There was a lot of talk and speculation about our form but we showed everyone how much quality we have and what we can do.
“What happened at the Euros will live with me forever, but I am so blessed to have coaching staff at England and Arsenal to put their arms around me and support me and help me get back into a good place and go again. I want to get back to a place where I can do my best and make the nation proud.”
England took total control with three first-half goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling. Saka struck again after the break before Mehdi Taremi fired home a consolation for the Iranians.
That twist of the Three Lions’ tails provoked an instant response from Marcus Rashford just 49 seconds after coming on. Another substitute, Jack Grealish, walked home England’s sixth goal before a farcical VAR decision enabled Taremi to score his second from the penalty spot.
Saka was one of three England players to miss from the spot in the Euros - and all three suffered sickening racial abuse. Midfielder Declan Rice said: “It’s unbelievable what he’s done. It says everything about his strength of character.
“You saw what happened last summer, everyone was with him then. He’s flourishing with Arsenal. He’s playing with a smile on his face. You see him around the training ground, he is the happiest person around the place. We’re all so happy for him.”
Saka was not the only England player to exorcise their demons. Rashford, who also missed from the spot on that cruel night at Wembley, hit the third-fastest goal ever scored at the World Cup.
Harry Maguire was outstanding at the heart of England’s defence after being lampooned by flag-waving Iranian fans baiting him about his fall from grace at Manchester United.
And Sterling finally sparked after an inconsistent start at Chelsea following his £47.5million arrival from Manchester City. Kieran Trippier warned that England can get even better.
The Newcastle full-back said: “There were moments in the game where we know we can improve, myself included. We've got to enjoy three points and move on to the next game.
“Winning the first game in the group is always important. We wanted to be on the front foot, and we were clinical in the right moments. Now we've got to rest, recover and focus on the next one.
“You can see the attacking players we've got - and the players off the bench made an impact. We've got quality in the team but it's about expressing ourselves. We can enjoy this game but still learn from certain moments and focus on the USA.”
