England score six against Iran in World Cup classic

Former champions England launched their campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with an emphatic 6-2 victory over Iran in their Group ‘B’ fixture played at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.

England took a commanding 3-0 lead at half time and went on to add two more goals in the second half to snatch an early lead in the group, which also includes the USA and Wales.

England’s victory was set up by Jude Bellingham – the young superstar in England’s midfield as he produced a superb header into the top corner in the 35th minute of play to score his first international goal for his country.

Bellingham also became England’s second youngest scorer at a World Cup at the tender age of 19 years, 145 days after Michael Owen, who scored a goal against Argentina in 1998 when he was just 18 years and 190 days old.

Thereafter, England scored twice before half time through Bukayo Saka (43rd minute) and Raheem Sterling (45th minute) respectively.

Saka added his second goal of the match in the 62nd minute before Iran scored a consolation goal in the 65th minute through Taremi, who added his second goal of the match through a penalty during injury time.

Substitute Marcus Rashford scored England’s fifth goal in the 71st minute and Grealish piled up more misery on Iran with an 89th minute goal. (C.D)