England thrashed Iran in a 6-2 demolition at the opening match of the World Cup. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Raheem Sterling secured a solid 3-0 lead before half-time. For the remaining 45 minutes, Saka and substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish finished the England tally. Medhi Teremi scored a brace for Iran as a consolation.
Player Ratings: Defense
Jordan Pickford: 5/10
Picked over Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope, Pickford had little to do during the match. However, he was caught in possession into the second half. He could have also saved Teremi’s consolation goal.
Kieran Trippier: 6/10
A nicely placed cross in the first three minutes was the highlight of his display. Apart from that had a relatively quiet but solid performance.
Harry Maguire: 8/10
The Manchester United outcast has been the butt of many jokes and memes over the last few months. However, he silenced critics with a solid display. Assisted Saka’s first goal and was excellent in the final third. Although he did get subbed with a head injury.
John Stones: 6/10
Relatively quiet compared to Maguire, but held possession well. Allowed the new English 4-man back line some stability, as he allowed Maguire to act aggressively.
Luke Shaw: 7/10
Excellent down the left flank. His movement and passing created wonderful opportunities for England. Was responsible for Bellingham’s goal with a clipped ball, and provided a cross that lead to Saka’s.
Player Ratings: Midfield
Declan Rice: 7/10
A crucial player for England. He acted well as the single pivot and was solid both defensively and in possession.
Jude Bellingham: 8/10
A fantastic display by the teenager. He became the second youngest British player after Micheal Owen to score in the World Cup. A rash challenge in the 22nd minute gave away a free kick in a dangerous area. But his ability showed as he managed to turn Shaw’s aerial ball into the goal with an excellent header.
Mason Mount: 8/10
The Chelsea player was crucial in the English attacking midfield. Hit the side netting in the 29th minute. His presence allowed England to deal with Iran’s low-block system effectively.
Player Ratings: Attack
Raheem Sterling: 8/10
Confident and capable in attack, providing a clever nutmeg in the 31st minute. Justified his appearance in the match over the highly regarded Phil Foden. Scored England’s third goal with an outstanding flying volley.
Harry Kane: 8/10
Unfortunately, he didn’t score, but he excelled in a more playmaker-Esque role he adopted from his time at Tottenham. Acting as the leader of the attack, he assisted Sterling’s goal with a cross. He also delivered the through ball which lead to Rashford’s goal from the bench.
Bukayo Saka: 9/10 (MoM)
The Arsenal star has evolved into a mentality monster since missing the crucial penalty at the Euros. He scored a rocket when Maguire’s header lead the ball to him. His second goal also shored his stellar ability to cut in, fake shots, and finish into the net. He became the youngest player to get 2 goals in a World Cup since Franz Beckenbauer and will be eager to continue his World Cup campaign.
Player Ratings: Substitutes
Eric Dier: 6/10
After Maguire’s departure was solid at the back.
Phil Foden: 6/10
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Jack Grealish: 7/10
Scored a sixth, finishing the English rout of Iran.
Marcus Rashford: 8/10
Showed excellence the moment he came on, scoring with his first touch of the match. This was the third-fastest goal scored by a substitute in the World Cup, in only 49 seconds.
Calum Wilson: 7/10
Delivered the pass which lead to Grealish’s goal.
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