England Start World Cup Campaign Strongly

England vs Iran pitted one of the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup, England, up against a true underdog in Iran. The Three Lions were looking to kick their time in Qatar off with a bang, as they hoped to begin what could be an incredibly successful tournament. And, now, 90 minutes later, they have completed that successful start, defeating Iran 6-2.

England avoid early slip-up at FIFA World Cup

Image by Daniel from Flickr

Gareth Southgate would have been hoping to see his side not only find their form once more but also their goal-scoring boots, having netted just four goals in their last five games. This is something that Harry Kane and others helped solve against Iran, however. The Tottenham Hotspur striker won the Golden Boot in Russia, in 2018, and is now 15/2 to take the prize home in Qatar in the World Cup 2022 odds. And, although he failed to score against Iran, he was at the centre of England’s best moments.

Goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish saw England breeze past Iran and open their World Cup campaign with the perfect start.

The quick start would have eased any nerves within the England camp, especially if they rediscover their collective goal-scoring boots against Iran.

Iran fail to cause FIFA World Cup upset

Iran, meanwhile, was looking to cause the ultimate upset in their opening game. The fact that they’ve lost just one of their last three games ahead of the FIFA World Cup, too, meant that they were well-positioned to shock England and others in Group B.

It simply wasn’t to be, however, as Mehdi Taremi’s brace was not enough to keep Iran within touching distance of a high-flying Three Lions side in Qatar.

In qualifying, Iran topped their group, winning 25 out of a possible 30 points, up against South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Iraq in what was an impressive qualifying campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup. With that in mind, they may still be capable of shocking Wales and USA in the Group Stage.

Whilst Iran enjoyed positive form before this game, England should have always come out on top here. Anything other than a Three Lions win would have left everybody in their corner incredibly worried and disappointed. Southgate would’ve certainly been  | of enjoying a successful FIFA World Cup and would have known the need to start strong in Qatar.

With Southgate’s current contract set to expire in December of 2024, too, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be his last opportunity to win football’s biggest prize.

Iran, in contrast, will likely be feeling disappointed when it comes to getting a result. Such is their underdog status, they still have plenty of time left in Qatar to cause a couple of upsets, despite the 6-2 loss against England.

This is a fixture that England rightfully eased past at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group Stage.