England fans have been quick to praise young duo Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka as both scored on World Cup debut to see England head into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead over Iran in their World Cup 2022 opener.
Bellingham, preferred to Kalvin Phillips in the heart of the England midfield, got the ball rolling when he glanced home a header from a Luke Shaw cross, providing a moment of class in a game that had until then been lacking.
Hey Jude! ✨
Jude Bellingham heads home for his first England goal on the biggest stage!
England 1-0 Iran
💻🖥📱 Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the @BBCSport app#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rX4xS58WwU
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 21, 2022
Then it was the turn of fellow young gun Saka, who doubled his side’s advantage with a half volley from sixteen yards out from a corner just moments later. There was still time for Raheem Sterling to add a third, with captain Harry Kane turning provider.
BUKAYO SAKA! 👊
England double their lead against Iran with a lovely strike from the Arsenal man 🎯
💻🖥📱 Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the @BBCSport app#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 21, 2022
And England fans were quick to point to both Saka and Bellingham as the key reasons for them unlocking the Iran defence, as can be seen below.
Jude Bellingham is a serious footballer 😮💨
— connor (@conwhalen3) November 21, 2022
Jude Bellingham is such a joy to watch
— SWIZZLE (@pkwesiD) November 21, 2022
Bukayo Saka is world class. What a player man
— Ivz™️ (@Ivz_LT) November 21, 2022
Bellingham best player on the pitch, maguire and Saka also brilliant
— Bertybear Raskwell 🇬🇧 (@bertybear73) November 21, 2022
