England player ratings vs Iran: Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka shine for the Three Lions

England made a superb start to their 2022 World Cup campaign with a thumping 6-2 win over Iran in their opening Group B match.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka (2), Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish all scored for Gareth Southgate's side to secure a comfortable win at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

It is England's second-biggest win at the World Cup, only bettered by their 6-1 win over Panama at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Victory for the Three Lions sees them move top of their group, with Wales taking on the United States in the other game on Monday evening.

England player ratings vs Iran

Pickford – 6

Had little to do for most of the match but still conceded twice, although one was a penalty. Looked comfortable on the ball. Tougher tests are to come.

Trippier - 7

No major errors but was guilty of giving possession away at times. Solid but could have provided more going forward.

Stones - 7

A steady performance in central defence alongside Harry Maguire. Continued to look comfortable alongside Eric Dier after Maguire was forced off.

Maguire - 7

Came close to scoring in the first half when his excellent header hit the bar. Had a few jittery moments and was partially at fault for Iran's goal. But overall a promising performance before he was forced off.

Shaw - 8

Solid at the back and provided a bigger threat than Trippier going forward. Produced a brilliant cross to set up Bellingham for England's opener.

Rice - 7

Comfortable if unspectacular performance in the middle of the park from Rice. His defensive solidity allowed Bellingham to shine.

Bellingham - 9

One of England's two best players on the pitch, along with Bukayo Saka. Controlled the match and provided a constant threat going forward. Opened the scoring with a brilliant header and also played a crucial role in Raheem Sterling's goal. Hard to believe he is still only 19.

Bellingham impressed for England against Iran (Image: Alamy)

Mount - 7

A relatively quiet performance from the Chelsea man. Looked neat in possession in the first half but faded somewhat after the break.

Saka - 9

Looked like England's biggest threat in attack. Scored twice with the help of a couple of deflections. Could have grabbed a hat-trick had he not been substituted.

Sterling - 8

Silenced his doubters with an impressive performance. Grabbed a deserved goal with a well-taken finish.

Kane - 7

A relatively quiet match from the England captain but still played well. Showed some good moments linking up with Sterling and Saka. The goals will come.

Substitutes

Dier - 6

Solid after coming on but had little to do.

Rashford – 8

Made an immediate impact with a well-taken goal and could have had a second later on. Looks back to his best.

Grealish - 7

Could have done more but still managed to get on the scoresheet after being set up with a simple finish by Wilson.

Foden – 6

A few nice touches and passes after coming on but failed to make a major impact.

Wilson – 7

Had the chance to score his first ever World Cup goal but decided to lay it on a plate for Grealish instead. Selfless.