Many will have looked at England’s opening fixture in the World Cup against Iran and seen potentially tricky tie for Gareth Southgate’s side.
However as half-time nears, the Three Lions find themselves three goals to the good.
The opener came courtesy of Jude Bellingham, who rose high in the box to place his header into the top corner.
The travelling English crowd didn’t have to wait long to see another emphatic finish, as Bukayo Saka fired the second. Harry Maguire hit the bar from a corner earlier in the half but turned provider for Saka shortly after, 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
MAIN ACCOUNT: @rKLDY#QATECU #WC2022
حسابي الاساسي: @rKLDY
⚡️📽️ : @rKLDY pic.twitter.com/F5N70QgBWK— WORLD CUP WITH K L D (@Karina15558731) November 21, 2022
Look at this finish by Saka 😍 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/G7USalK6hX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
As the game went into 14 minutes of added time, following treatment to the injured Iranian goalkeeper, Harry Kane held the ball up well before pulling the ball across for Raheem Sterling to get his first of the tournament.
Sterling from Sterling 🔥
England are in dreamland after Raheem Sterling adds the third against Iran!
💻🖥📱 Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the @BBCSport app#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 21, 2022
Raheem Sterling’s goal for England… 🏴💥 pic.twitter.com/Ep7tA3nHFy
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) November 21, 2022
RAHEEM STERLING@england makes it THREE in the first half
Sponsored by @newbalance #WeGotNow pic.twitter.com/2nPbFKUGIh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
The build-up to the match was defined by two protests; one that didn’t happen, as England backed out of wearing the rainbow armband, and another that did, the Iranian fans booing their own national anthem.
