England cruised to victory in their World Cup opener as they thrashed Iran in Doha. The three points mean that Gareth Southgate's side sit comfortably at the top of Group B for now, as Wales and the USA prepare to play each other on Monday evening.
Goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling gave the Three Lions a 3-0 lead going into half-time. Saka scored another early on in the second half, before Iran pegged one back through Mehdi Tehrami just a few minutes later. Marcus Rashford made it 5-1 after coming on from the bench. The Manchester United forward then later squared the ball to Jack Grealish to add a sixth prior to 90 minutes.
The action wasn't finished there, though, as Iran were awarded a dubious VAR penalty in added time. Tehrami made no mistake from the spot as he slotted home his second of the game.
It was a routine win for Southgate's side and as a result, several players can be proud of their performances. With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at England's winners and losers from the game.
READ MORE: Jermaine Jenas slams Iran concussion decision as goalkeeper eventually subbed off vs England
WINNERS
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham became only the second teenager to score at a World Cup finals after he opened the scoring with a magnificent header. Michael Owen is the only other English player who boasts that record. In addition to his goal, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder showed real maturity in the midfield as he drove forward in what was a more attacking setup from Southgate.
Raheem Sterling
Although it's his third World Cup, Sterling finally scored in the competition after a well-taken goal in the first half. Sterling, who was arguably England's Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020, hasn't had the best of starts to his Chelsea career so far, but as one of Southgate's most trusted players, he was given the chance to start in England's opener. Luckily, he didn't disappoint.
Bukayo Saka
A brace for Arsenal's foremost winger was well-deserved. The 21-year-old looked dangerous pretty much every time he picked up the ball, but in front of goal is where he really shined. It looks fair to say that he'll be starting against the USA on Friday.
LOSERS
Harry Maguire
The Manchester United defender played well on the day but was sadly forced to withdraw from the field of play as a result of concussion protocols. The England medical team rightly took no chances and Southgate will now be hoping that he's fit to play later this week.
Under current FIFA rules, if he were to have suffered from a concussion, the Maguire would be forced to sit out England's next group fixture against USA.
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