Jordan Pickford - Had very little to do throughout the 90 minutes of action. But he won't be best pleased with Iran's goals to deny him another World Cup clean sheet. He did make an absolute sensational save from Azmoun in injury time The goalkeeper was vocal and interactive throughout and ensured the transition of play was executed with his wide range of passes. 6
Kieran Trippier - Delivered some beautiful balls from dead-ball situations and was vitally important in England's attack by providing width down the right. Despite England playing with a back four, Trippier spent large portions of the game in a wider position than a traditional full-back and was an extra body in attack. 7
Harry Maguire - Many criticised Maguire's inclusion in the World Cup squad but the Manchester United defender showed why he's constantly named in Southgate's squad against Iran. A threat from set-pieces and solid in defence, Maguire has done no harm to his chances of continuing to feature in future games. 7
John Stones - Defended superbly well throughout, even when reacting to second balls inside the England half. Didn't have to do much in terms of shutting down any Iran attacks but was allowed the freedom to operate England's high line and offside trap. Will certainly be disappointed with Taremi's strike in the second half and did concede a harsh penalty in injury time. 7
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Luke Shaw - Like Trippier, Shaw was a constant threat down the left flank to assist Sterling. His cross for Bellingham's opener was superb. The United full-back spent most of the game camped in Iran's half but showed a tremendous work rate to track back at every occasion. 7
Declan Rice - The anchor in midfield, Rice covered every blade of grass in midfield as he took up the role and sat in front of the back four. He was often seen in advanced positions as England dominated but he did his job in splitting up the play from deep very well and will be satisfied with his performance overall. 7
Jude Bellingham - One of many 'starboys' within this England side. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder grabbed his first England goal and was terrific from minute one until the end. It's amazing to think he is only 19 but he showed maturity, professionalism and quality in England's midfield. If Southgate persists with the 4-3-3, Bellingham will be one of the first names on the team sheet for the rest of the tournament. 9
Mason Mount - Played an interchanging role in England's midfield three and often found himself picking up positions in wide areas when Sterling tucked into the centre. Should have done better with an opportunity when the scoreline was level but has been applauded for finding the right position. 7
Bukayo Saka - The smile on Saka's face when he volleyed home England's second goal was a thing of beauty. The winger was immense going forward and caused Iran countless problems. After the heartbreak of 2020 against Italy, the 21-year-old has come on leaps and bounds and displayed his improvement today. The choice to start him could have been a risk but it certainly paid off for Southgate. 9
Raheem Sterling - Showed exactly why he's in this England squad. A proper poacher's finish from Sterling in the first half, being in the right place at the right time to score his first ever World Cup goal. His link-up play from out wide was pivotal to England's chance creation and grabbed an assist for Saka's second goal. 8
Harry Kane - It's not often your striker fails to score when you have five goals and he comes away from the game happy. The skipper was brilliant in his build-up play and grabbed two assists for Sterling and Rashford. Was substituted off to rest his legs ahead of USA on Friday, in which will be a test for England. 7
Substitutes
Eric Dier - Came on for Maguire after the defender seemed to collide with Taremi for Iran's goal. The Spurs man couldn't have asked for an easier opponent to face as he had little to do in terms of defending. 6
Marcus Rashford - Scored within three touches and it was so good to see a smile on Rashford's face after his troubling 18 months with Manchester United. The striker has managed to find his form in the Premier League and showed what he can do with a well-taken goal. 7
Phil Foden - Iran's very deep block meant Foden had little room to cause his opponents any trouble. Didn't see much of the ball but was seen collecting little pockets of space between the lines in an attempt to break open the stubborn defence. 6
Jack Grealish - Similar to Foden, Grealish struggled to get onto the ball as much as he would have hoped for when he came on. However, he was in the right place at the right time in the dying minutes to make it 6-1 to score only his second England goal. 7
Callum Wilson - The Newcastle striker could not hide his excitement at coming on when he replaced Kane in the 75th minute. He may have not got his goal but showed incredible teamwork to assist Grealish with an unselfish pass across goal to add a sixth. 7
READ NEXT:
England vs Iran highlights: Dream World Cup start as Bukayo Saka nets two in thumping win
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