Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka were the pick of the England players in their 6-2 hammering of Iran in the opening game of the World Cup. Iran was to be the first opponent for a side out of form in the lead-up to the tournament, as they had only lost twice in their previous 21 games. Instead, they simplified the process. Six goals and an almost flawless start. Even though there were only two personnel changes from the team that played Italy in last year’s Euro final, the two additions—Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka—added youthful vitality and set the stage for an energetic England performance.
Of course, Southgate’s decision to switch from a back five to a back four, which allowed him to include an additional midfielder while also signaling England’s determination to attack before the ball was even launched, also helped. At the start of the previous World Cup, that midfielder was a 14-year-old prospect from the Birmingham City academy, but early indications suggest Bellingham, now one of the most intriguing young players in Europe with Borussia Dortmund, will play a key part at this one. The 19-year-old was superb, contributing to nearly every England move and scoring his first England goal with a thunderous header off a cross from
A through-ball from Marcus Rashford’s flick sent Callum Wilson barreling clear on the right side, setting up Jack Grealish for a close-range finish. Bellingham was also there for their sixth goal. Bellingham’s main duty was to start England playing, and he accomplished that goal with Declan Rice stationed behind him at the base of midfield. Of his 95 passes, 92 were intercepted by a teammate. No player made more successful dribbles. Bellingham appeared almost everywhere in Iran’s half, working well with Saka, Mason Mount, Sterling, Kane, and later England’s replacements at various points to provide the connection between midfield and offense that England has frequently missed in the past.
For more football news, click here
