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Having reviewed England's World Cup squad after it was announced, I wasn't going into this tournament with much optimism. I expected a defensive formation but hoped for something more exciting. When the starting XI was announced for our game against Iran, it was more like my "more interesting" team with Saka, Mount and Sterling supporting Kane instead of my hope of seeing Grealish, Maddison (🤕 injured) and Foden. The only other starter (that I hoped wouldn't play) was Southgate keeping faith with the much criticised Harry Maguire.

I still wasn't expecting anything too exciting though and with Southgate talking about "Patience" going into the game, I thought we'd get the usual passing it around in defence for 90 minutes. To show my optimism, I'd already predicted...

I wouldn't be surprised if we get knocked out having drawn 0-0 with Iran and USA and losing to Wales.

So 0-0 then...

Things started as I'd expected and England kept possession without looking dangerous. Iran's game plan was clear - run around like maniacs and take out anything that gets too close. A key moment on 10 minutes though when Iran's keeper came for a cross and a nasty clash of heads with one of his defenders.

After a long delay, it was clear that the keeper was in no state to continue. The medics had other ideas though and decided he was fine... for him to collapse and get stretchered off 2 minutes later.

My understanding was that Iran took 4 goalies to the World Cup but the guy who came in didn't appear to have ever played in goal before. I'm pretty sure I've seen outfield players do a better job and this certainly contributed to what was to follow.

After the long stoppage, England got back to passing it around and not looking dangerous. 30 minutes had passed since kick off and I was about to start resting my eyes but was woken up fairly soon after. England's young midfielder (Jude Bellingham) who was in the team thanks to Kalvin Phillips' injury glanced a Luke Shaw header to put us 1-0 up. Iran seemed to struggle with crosses all afternoon so it was no surprise that our 2nd came from a corner - Harry Maguire bullied their defenders to nod the ball down to Saka whose deflected shot found the back of the net. 2-0 and cruising.

With a record breaking 14 minutes of injury time, Raheem Sterling added a 3rd before half time from a Harry Kane cross - A controlled volley which gave the schoolboy keeper little chance of saving.

Cruising at 3-0 and looking incredibly comfortable, there was little reason for England to risk our better players but Southgate likes to make substitutions at least 30 minutes after everybody else thinks he should so it was no surprise to see the same team come out for the 2nd half.

It was a risk though and when Kane went down injured early in the 2nd half, it looked bad. He tried to continue though and Kieran Trippier was the next to get mullered. How long until Southgate catches up with the rest of us?

It took 2 more goals before Southgate was happy to protect our better players. Saka cut inside to slot the ball home before Iran pulled one back to make it 4-1, Maguire getting done by some simple movement off the ball for Taremi to lash home.

Rashford came off the bench to add a 5th with a similar goal to Saka's 2nd and then another substitute, Jack Grealish tapped home a Callum Wilson cutback. The subs proving that we've got some good depth if we get through to the latter stages.

At this point, another 10 minutes of injury time was added which wasn't ideal. the-child-gorilla needed picking up from school and the-baby-gorilla needed waking up before heading off. Unfortunately, the-baby-gorilla had shat himself and I had to miss the end of the game.

From what I missed - Iran got a penalty after John Stones was penalised for holding in the penalty area. Somewhat ironic considering the same offence was ignored when Maguire and Stones were wrestled to the floor at the beginning of the game. Taremi slotting home the resulting spot kick.

So a decent start for England with the USA up next. I'm currently watching them play Wales and they're looking very comfortable, playing with a lot of pace. George Weah's son (Timothy) and Pulisic in particular look good. I'll have to look up why a Liberian legend's son is lining up for USA and not following in his father's footsteps.

Match Highlights

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