Player Ratings: England 6-2 Iran

England started their World Cup campaign in the best possible fashion as they thrashed Iran inside the Chafila International Stadium. It was an outstanding team effort, but how did the squad fair individually?

Jordan Pickford 6

The Everton keeper was mainly a spectator for the majority of the game, providing good distribution however did concede two goals.  

Kieran Trippier 7

An above average performance providing good link up with Saka during the game and having a solid performance at the back.  

John Stones 5

Had a good first half, being composed on the ball however, as Iran put pressure on the back line, Stones looked shaky conceding a penalty late on.  

Harry Maguire 7

He was a big target for the three lions from set pieces being heavily involved in corners and providing an assist for Saka’s first. He was comfortable on the ball however lost his man for Iran’s consolation goal.  

Luke Shaw 7

Had a solid game attacking in the first half, linked up with the midfield and providing a great cross for Bellingham’s opener, as well as looking solid at the back.  

Jude Bellingham 9

A close contender for Man of The Match, controlling the midfield very well for a teenager. He scored a brilliant header to open the floodgates for England on his first start in a world cup.  

Declan Rice 7

An average performance from the West Ham man, mainly passing sideways and backwards and being timid express himself and bring the ball up the pitch.  

Mason Mount 6

A pretty lackluster performance after going missing for most of the game. He didn’t create any space for himself to receive the ball and had a basic performance.  

Bukayo Saka 10 – MOTM  

Outstanding performance from the Arsenal youngster. Two well taken goals with his second being a left footed finish past the keeper after his first half volley. Easily the man of the match after scoring and creating chances all game.  

Raheem Sterling 8

The Chelsea winger started the game quietly however as England grew into the game, so did he after taking his goal on the volley he looked to grow in confidence, taking players on and turning the Iranian defense back to goal.  

Harry Kane 8

Solid game for the skipper, dropping deep to receive the ball and linked up play from the midfield. Provided a great cross for Sterling’s volley, and demonstrated his skills dropping deep to link up with Saka for his second of the match.  

Subs:  

Marcus Rashford 8  

Made an instant impact in the game, scoring with his first touches and looking composed and confident to finish so quickly after coming of the bench.  

Jack Grealish 7

Looked to pick up the ball and take players on late in the game and took up a great position to finish Wilson’s ball across the box.  

Eric Dier 6

Came on and wasn’t very confident as Iran looked to go in behind, Dier couldn’t match the pace of the Iranian forwards.  

Phil Foden 6  

Came on in the later stages of the game. Calmed the game down and didn’t really provide any attacking threat as a substitute.    

Callum Wilson 7

Came on and looked lively as England looked to add more to their tally. Provided a unselfish assist to Grealish.

By James Young and Josh Metcalfe