By Rishikesh Mistry 

England had a brilliant start to their World Cup campaign, smashing Iran 6-2 in the first game of the group stage which has laid out an impressive marker for this ambitious, talented, and young England team, led by star boy Saka who coercted this demolition.

After the Iranian keeper bashed his nose into one of his teammates clearing his line, he came down injured. After a suspected concussion, a lengthy delay occurred whilst he was down injured and being assessed by the medics. He continued on the pitch before collapsing 30 seconds later, seeing the second in line goalkeeper, Hossein Hosseni making his replacement. Although this incursion heavily slowed the momentum, slightly knocking the England team of course, it was not long before the Three Lions had their first breakthrough. Jude Bellingham became the second youngest England player to score in this renowned competition as he slickly converted Luke Shaw’s cross in the 35th minute of the game. 

This opened the doors for the rather attacking England side that Southgate put out, with a subliminal strike from Saka. His left foot hammered home a stunner after the cross was calmly handled by Harry Maguire. The Iranian players immediately rushed the referee claiming that they were fouled by Maguire, my verdict is that Maguire had the higher jump, won the ball fairly and was just simply stronger. 

England killed the game in the first half as Harry Kane let Sterling loose on a beautiful pass. Sterling managed to convert this well and the game was wrapped up then. This was followed by an additional 13 minutes of additional time for the disruption caused by the keeper issue

After the break, the indisputable star man of the game, Saka converted his second of the game. Curling the ball with his left foot again, he sent the keeper and in doing so made him the youngest player to score 2+ goals in their first World Cup game since 1966. Had Southgate not subbed him off, he could have easily scored again; imagine the scenes of a debut World Cup hattrick! Saka is now in contention for the Golden Boot, levelling Valencia.

His replacement, Rashford, performed excellent in his place however, attacking the space created by captain Kane, cutting into his left and stylishly rolling the ball into the bottom corner. The sixth and final goal for this sparkling England side was also created on the bench. Callum Wilson unselfishly squared the ball to Grealish, who converted the tap in to also net his first goal on the biggest stage in World football. 

Mehdi Taremi is also level with Saka and Valencia who followed a powerful effort and a cool y struck penalty to take the score to 6-2 in the 13th minute of added time.

England’s wonder kids have given Southgate the dream start, and it was just what England needed. This sets England up for success, especially following the devastating loss in the finals of the Euros to Italy. The question should be asked; can England go all the way?