England got off to a fantastic start at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with an emphatic 6-2 victory over Iran. Bukayo Saka scored a brace in the win and the Three Lions’ performance has set them up well for the rest of the tournament. Here are our England player ratings.
England (4-2-3-1):
Jordan Pickford – 6
Didn’t have much to do throughout the match and couldn’t do much to stop Mehdi Taremi’s goals. Made a good save to deny Sardar Azmoun late on.
Kieran Trippier – 7.5
Linked up well with Saka down right flank and looked to push on and support the attack.
John Stones – 7
Kept the ball well and helped drive the ball forward at times for England.
Harry Maguire – 7.5
Struck the bar with a header from a Trippier corner just after the half hour mark, nearly putting England in the lead. Was a threat from set pieces and helped set up England’s second goal, winning a good header from a corner. Strong start to the campaign for the Manchester United defender but was forced off due to injury.
Luke Shaw – 7
Provided an excellent cross from the left flank for Jude Bellingham’s opener. Also helped provide width to stretch the game.
Jude Bellingham – 8
The 19-year-old scored his first international goal and England’s 2022 Qatar World Cup opener in the first half with a great header, superbly glancing the ball into the far corner. Kept possession well and was more advanced than midfield counterpart Rice, driving forward with the ball. Strong start to the tournament.
Declan Rice – 6
Sat in front of the two centre-backs for the most part of the match. Recycled possession well but did not have too much to do.
Bukayo Saka – 9
Drifted inside at times and linked up well with Trippier and Mason Mount towards the right flank. Scored England’s second goal of the match with a fantastic volley as they went two goals ahead inside the first half. Scored his second and England’s fourth just after the hour mark, cutting in well from the right flank. Wonderful start to his maiden World Cup campaign.
Mason Mount – 6.5
Perhaps could have done better with a chance in the first half but linked up well with Saka. Sat in behind the striker, looking to link the attacking play in the middle. Not one of his best performances but solid nonetheless.
Raheem Sterling – 7.5
Was fluid with his movement, drifting inside and also moved over to the right flank at times too. Tricky and intricate in tight spaces and was influential in England’s attack. Finished well following a sharp attack, converting a good cross by Harry Kane to score his first World Cup goal.
Harry Kane – 7.5
Quiet for most of the first half but did set up Sterling as England raced to a three goal lead before the break. Held the ball up well and also showcased some fantastic centre-forward play.
Substitutes
Eric Dier – N/A
Marcus Rashford – 6.5
Restored England’s five-goal lead, scoring his first goal at a major tournament. Was able to apply a simple but composed finish after only just coming on.
Jack Grealish – 6
Scored England’s sixth but the game was already over.
Phil Foden – N/A
Callum Wilson – 6
Assisted for Grealish’s goal but the game was dead at that point.