EKO HOT BLOG reports that Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka bagged a brace as England opened their World Cup 2022 Group B campaign with a spectacular 6-2 thrashing of Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium.
The 21-year-old struck either side of efforts from Jude Bellingham and Raheem Sterling in a dominant first half before doubling his tally in the second, where substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also got in on the act.
The Three Lions remained a constant threat going forward, and Saka made it two for himself in the 62nd minute, cutting in from the right and opening up space inside the box before his low deflected effort found the bottom corner.
Rashford added to England’s lead, cutting onto his left foot inside the box before calmly slotting home in the 71st minute.
However, hopes of England equalling their 6-1 thumping of Panama from 2018 were dashed when Iran were awarded a last-minute penalty by VAR, with John Stones tugging Morteza Pouraliganji down by the shirt, and Taremi sent Pickford the wrong way.
Having reached the semi-finals four years ago and finished as Euros runners-up last summer, the Three Lions arrived among the favourites despite a six-match winless run and Nations League relegation.
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