by England
Jordan Pickford – 6
The goalkeeper had hardly anything to do and was upset that England failed to keep a clean sheet. He let his frustration out on his defenders, but made a brilliant late save.
Kieran Trippier-7
He took virtually all of England’s corners, which Iran could not cope with. Maguire hit the crossbar from one and Saka scored from another. Undoubtedly, set pieces will be key in the World Cup.
john stones – 6
Unfortunate that Var gave him a penalty right at the end of the game. The Manchester City defender had been at cruise control up until that point.
Harry Maguire-6
It looked like just the start Maguire would have wanted until Iran disallowed a consolation goal for which Medhi Taremi beat him. He had to be replaced by Eric Dier, having suffered an injury.
Luke Shaw – 7
He produced a delicious cross from which Bellingham opened the scoring with his head. The Manchester United left-back recovered well from an early foul.
Jude Bellingham-9
What a way to mark your World Cup debut. The midfielder became the second teenager to score in the tournament after Michael Owen. Just another reminder of what a special talent England has.
Declan Rice – 7
He played as England’s deepest midfielder and despite Iran not offering much of a threat, he made some vital interceptions and was always in the right place.
Bukayo Saka – 9
He justified Southgate’s decision to choose him over Phil Foden by scoring twice on his World Cup debut. The Arsenal star produced two different finishes of equal quality.
Mason’s Mount – 8
He was handed an advanced role in midfield and goaded and tested to great effect. The Chelsea star passed, brought down and carried the ball in an impressive all-around performance.
Sterling Rahim – 8
He hadn’t been at his best for Chelsea, but Sterling has a good recent record of performing on the big occasion for England. His goal will have done him a world of good.
Harry Kane-8
He may be a little frustrated that he didn’t make the score sheet, but Kane set up Sterling’s goal and also sent the substitute to Rashford to score.
substitutes
Eric Dier – 6 (in place of Maguire, 70): Replaced Maguire for the last 20 minutes as England advanced.
Mark Rashford – 7 (for Sterling, 70): The stadium announcer was still declaring the substitutes when Rashford put the ball into the net.
Phil Foden – 7 (instead of Saka, 71): Another England player making his World Cup debut. Foden could still have an important role to play.
Jack Grealish – 7 (to Mount, 71): Wilson set up the £100m man to score his first World Cup goal.
callum wilson-7 (in favor of Kane, 76): Disinterested play to put the ball on a tray for Grealish to score.
