England run riot against Iran in World Cup debut

England showed no mercy against Iran. Many people considered the Three Lions as favourites to win the World Cup title and they have shown in the first match that they will go all out from the first minute.

Southgate's team went into the break with a huge lead after a great first half performance in which they kept possession of the ball and created several chances while Iran just defended at the back.

The match did not start in the best way for the Iranians after only 10 minutes of play when Beiranvand had to be treated by the medical staff after a heavy collision with Hosseini when trying to catch Kane's cross. The goalkeeper tried to continue but had to be replaced by Hossein Hosseini.

England created several chances as Maguire's header hit the crossbar following Krippier's cross from the corner, but it was not until the 35th minute that they scored the opening goal. Mount found Shaw on the left flank and the United full-back fed Bellingham with a lovely cross. The Dortmund player beat Hosseini with an impressive header to the far post. 

The ten minutes after the midfielder's goal were a nightmare for the Iranians as they conceded two more goals. In the 43rd minute Maguire headed the corner and found Saka on the penalty spot. The Arsenal player beat Hosseini with a thumping shot into the top corner to extend the lead for Southgate's side.

The visitors didn't even have time to blink when Kane fed Sterling with a lovely cross for the Chelsea player to score the third goal of the game with a finish to the near post. Arsenal's Saka was not satisfied after scoring just one goal and got his brace after beating Hosseini with a close-range shot inside the box under the passive gaze of Iran's defence.

However, Iran did not throw in the towel and managed to close the gap. Gholizadeh found Taremi unmarked inside the box with a lovely pass and the striker beat Pickford with a thumping shot. 

The joy did not last long for Queiroz's side as the fresh substitute Rashford scored from the first ball he received after coming on. Kane made a great control and fed Rashford on the right flank. The Man Utd player dribbled past Hosseini with a fake shot and scored the fifth goal for England with an effort to the far post. Grealish joined the party as Bellingham's long pass found Wilson with space and the striker once inside the box fed the City player, who had just to push the ball into the net. Taremi got his brace from the penalty spot in stoppage time but it did little to help Iran.