Bukayo Saka stars in England's World Cup opener

Player of the Match Bukayo Saka scored twice in brilliant fashion as England kicked off their 2022 World Cup campaign in style with a 6-2 win over Iran. 

Our 21-year-old forward was chosen by Gareth Southgate for England's first starting XI of the tournament to face Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium. He made a confident and energetic start to his World Cup debut before an early head injury to Iranian keeper Alireza Beiranvand halted proceedings, resulting in 14 minutes of added time in the first half.

Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham opened the scoring after 35 minutes with a superb glancing header and Saka doubled England's advantage less than ten minutes later. 

A corner taken by Luke Shaw found Harry Maguire in the box, whose headed pass teed up Saka in space. He took the ball on the volley, striking it perfectly into the top right-hand corner. 

Saka continued to link up well with Kieran Trippier on the right wing and capped off a fantastic performance with a second goal and England's fourth just after the hour mark. Our winger drove into the penalty area, cut inside, dummied and calmly rolled the ball through four Iranian defenders and the keeper to nestle in the net. 

Reflecting on his World Cup debut, two goals and the Player of the Match award, Saka said: "I can't describe the feeling. I'm so happy and I'm so proud. I'm ready to give 100% and I gave that today."

With his fifth and sixth senior goals in an England shirt, Bukayo Saka became the fourth Gunner to score for the Three Lions at a major tournament, following in the footsteps of Tony Adams at the 1998 World Cup, Sol Campbell at the 2002 World Cup, and Theo Walcott at Euro 2012. 

He also became the youngest player to score 2 goals or more in a World Cup debut since Franz Beckenbauer in 1966.