Southgate has two players knocking on door after England beat Iran

World Cup: England fans react to comprehensive victory over Iran

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Six goals, three points. England’s World Cup reign started with a bang on Monday as they cruised to victory over Iran. And while Bukayo Saka stole the show with a brilliant brace, the impacts of substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish can’t be overlooked as the Three Lions got their quest for a first triumph since 1966 off to the most emphatic of starts.

Two decades ago, England started their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.

In 2006, they beat Paraguay 1-0 thanks to a Carlos Gamarra own goal – before then managing another 1-1 draw against the United States four years later in South Africa.

The 2014 World Cup campaign got off to another underwhelming start, with England losing 2-1 to Italy to give themselves a mountain to climb. In the end, Everest was undefeatable as they crashed out in the group stages.

Even in Russia four years ago, England didn’t convince as they battled their way to a narrow 2-1 win over Tunisia – with Harry Kane at the double to give the Three Lions reason to roar.

But this, out of everything witnessed over the past 20 years, was arguably the best of the lot.

England had gone into their game with Iran on a low, having struggled in the Nations League prior to the competition getting underway. Southgate was, in the eyes of many, a man out of his depth.

But they delivered on the grandest stage of all, with Bukayo Saka bagging a brace and Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Rashford and Grealish also on target.

If England are to go all the way this winter, then it will require a team effort. It always does, at the very highest level.

And though Rashford and Grealish didn’t start the game, they’re certainly two players knocking on Southgate’s door.

Rashford scored with virtually his first touch, with the Manchester United star finishing expertly to continue his fine run of form after an impressive start to the season at Old Trafford.

And Grealish netted in the 90th minute before marking the occasion with a celebration in tribute to a young fan with cerebral palsy, the same illness his sister suffers from.

Southgate was happy for the Manchester City star, saying after the game: “He had a situation with his own sister that would mean he’s very aware of the power he can have.”He’s a kind person, we’re very fortunate, we work with a group of players who have a hunger to play.

“They’re a pleasure to work with, they have a humility but they also think of others.

“It’s unusual to have a group we’ve got, they were excellent all week and no surprise we won today.

“It’s nice to hear that was the celebration and the reason for it.”

Great players win matches.

But great squads win tournaments.

And with Rashford and Grealish now proving their worth at the World Cup, Southgate clearly has an array of talent to call upon as he plots a path to the golden, glittering trophy this winter.

The verdict
England were always going to be favourites against Iran.

And while not too much can be read into the straightforward win, it certainly bodes well for what’s to come.

England look ready. They didn’t a few months ago, when matches in the Nations League were playing out.

As for Iran, they’re 20th in the world (according to the FIFA rankings). That means they’re not the minnows that many see them as.

They’ll need to bounce back when they face Wales, with that match also pencilled in for Friday afternoon. 

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