World Cup 2022: England 6-2 Iran in pictures

Gavin Glicksman
LiveScore
Bukayo Saka netted twice as England got their World Cup campaign up and running with three points
Bukayo Saka netted twice as England got their World Cup campaign up and running with three points

Bukayo Saka was at the double as England cruised through their opening World Cup match against Iran to banish memories of a dismal build-up to the tournament. 

Expectations were dampened ahead of the trip to Qatar after the Three Lions were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League having picked up just three points from six games. 

But Gareth Southgate's men comfortably won what was touted as a tricky Group B encounter thanks to Saka's brace and goals from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish. 

After Bellingham, 19, broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with his first international goal, Arsenal star Saka doubled the advantage eight minutes later. 

Sterling, 27, added a third in first-half stoppage time and 21-year-old Saka made it 4-0 midway through the second half. 

While the Three Lions faithful were still celebrating, Iran netted when Mehdi Taremi ran in behind Harry Maguire to lash the ball beyond Jordan Pickford. 

Iran's joy was shortlived, however, as Rashford needed just three touches after climbing off the bench to make it 5-1 in the 71st minute. 

England's fine start to their quest for glory was capped by a Grealish goal served up on a plate by fellow substitute Callum Wilson in the dying seconds of normal time. 

But in the 13th minute of added time at the end of the game, John Stones gave away a penalty that was converted by Taremi for his second of the afternoon. 

Scroll down through the pictures below to relive the best moments from the Group B opener. 

England's starting XI for the World Cup clash with Iran
England's starting XI for the World Cup clash with Iran
The first half was stopped while Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand received a lengthy spell of treatment
The first half was stopped while Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand received a lengthy spell of treatment
Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand was eventually carried off on a stretcher after suffering a head injury
Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand was eventually carried off on a stretcher after suffering a head injury
Mason Mount reflects on a missed opportunity after putting a shot into the side-netting
Mason Mount reflects on a missed opportunity after putting a shot into the side-netting
Harry Maguire's first-half header came back off the crossbar
Harry Maguire's first-half header came back off the crossbar
Jude Bellingham's fine header broke the deadlock after 35 minutes
Jude Bellingham's fine header broke the deadlock after 35 minutes
Jude Bellingham celebrates his goal with England team-mate Mason Mount
Jude Bellingham celebrates his goal with England team-mate Mason Mount
Bukayo Saka lashed home England's second goal in the 43rd minute
Bukayo Saka lashed home England's second goal in the 43rd minute
Bukayo Saka looks to the heavens after doubling England's advantage
Bukayo Saka looks to the heavens after doubling England's advantage
Raheem Sterling was on the end of a Harry Kane cross to make it 3-0 to England in first-half stoppage time
Raheem Sterling was on the end of a Harry Kane cross to make it 3-0 to England in first-half stoppage time
Raheem Sterling was all smiles after adding to England's first-half tally
Raheem Sterling was all smiles after adding to England's first-half tally
Bukayo Saka slotted home his second of the game in the second half
Bukayo Saka slotted home his second of the game in the second half
Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for Iran in the 65th minute
Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for Iran in the 65th minute
Marcus Rashford made it 5-1 to England after being summoned from the bench
Marcus Rashford made it 5-1 to England after being summoned from the bench
Marcus Rashford celebrated with fellow sub Phil Foden after scoring
Marcus Rashford celebrated with fellow sub Phil Foden after scoring
Jack Grealish was on hand to make it 6-1 to England
Jack Grealish was on hand to make it 6-1 to England
Mehdi Taremi scored his second of the game from the penalty spot deep into second-half stoppage time
Mehdi Taremi scored his second of the game from the penalty spot deep into second-half stoppage time

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World CupEnglandIran