England have historically been slow starters at major tournaments, often labouring to underwhelming victories against lowly opponents. Not a bit of it in Qatar!
Thanks to Bellingham, Saka, Sterling, Rashford and Grealish, England hit Iran for six to set a high, high bar for the rest of the World Cup. Here is the best action and reaction, followed by the live text commentary as it happened.
England boss Gareth Southgate in news conference: "The armband is not something the players or myself have been
involved in the last 24 hours.
"The discussions have been ongoing between several European nations and Fifa. I
understand Fifa's situation in that you can set a precedent and where do you
draw a line. In a ideal world that would be a much clearer situation much
earlier but we had to focus on the football. People know what we stand for."
'We still have other levels we can go to'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England manager Gareth Southgate speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Our job over the course of this week was to concentrate on the football and the players did that well. The first half was a bit sticky with the long stoppage for the goalkeeper but we really used the ball well and our attacking threat was there for everyone to see.
"By the end we looked sloppy but just before the end we were pretty good. I have said to the players I have to balance how I feel because we dominated the game and there war so many good performances. But equally we cannot concede two gaols in the manner we did. I understand we had a lot of injury time and we started to drift but we have to be so on it against the States so we have other levels we can go to."
On the penalty decisions: "We are intrigued to know because we had meeting the other day where it was made very clear what would be given as a penalty and we didn't get one and then had one given against us at the end. We will have to speak to find out how that is going to be."
On the preparation for the next match: We know that the next couple of days will be a bit calmer I like how the group has gone about their work and it was nice to get some players on to the pitch and for them to go on and score. I want everyone to get on and when I pick a team I know there will be 11 that are happy and 15 that are not."
Saka your Player of the Match
FT: England 6-2 Iran
You voted England goal scorer Bukayo Saka as your player of the match.
England’s Bukayo Saka in England news conference: “We
know coming to the World Cup every game to going to be difficult but we
defended well and created a lot of chances. Overall we are happy with our performance.
“Quite a while ago, the miss will be with me forever but I
am so blessed to have a coaching staff, at England and Arsenal, my friends and
family put their arms around me and the nation has supported me. I feel that
love and it gives me a lot of belief in myself."
'These kids only want to play the game'
England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
More from Carlos Quieroz about the reaction of the Iran fans: "Please the teachers, the moralists, let the kids play the game. These kids only want to play the game.
"I hope the players of England and Wales and America praise them for having the courage to play the game. They are here to bring pride and happiness to the people.
"You don't know what the kids have been experiencing behind the scenes just because they want to play football. Whatever they say, they want to kill him.
Of course we have our opinions and we will express them in the right time. But I love the game and don't want the players to do something that isn't loyal to the game that is about the entertainment, joy and pride.
"Everyone knows the present circumstances of the environment of my players is not the best environment. They are human beings, they are kids.
"They only have one dream, to play for the country, to play for the people and I am very proud of the way they stand up and keep fighting. I am very proud of what they did but of course in 14, 18 we had full support of the fans. Now you saw what happened today, the fans who aren't ready to support the team should stay home."
'Complete performance'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Post update
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
More from Carlos Quieroz: "Our job as coaches is not to correct the past. There is no one in this world who can correct what has happened, our job is to influence what is coming."
'We win or we learn'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz: "My view is simple and very
pragmatic. The game was finished in the first half at 3-0 down. The only goal
then was to enjoy the game and be part of one moment that we should keep brave
and try to play our football.
"The beginning was clear between high level
competitive football and our players who don’t have the same experience. But we
win or we learn. We are privileged to learn a lot from the English team and are
better prepared to play Wales."
'We are delighted with the win'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England right-back Kieran Trippier speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "We wanted to come out on the front foot today and attack really well and we went and got the six goals. We are delighted with the win of course but me and the team are frustrated with the two goals we conceded."
On Jude Bellingham: "Bellingham is an unbelievable player for such a young age. He is playing at such a high level and he is not afraid. He has got to keep his feet on the ground and keep performing at a high level like I know he will."
On the penalty incidents: To be honest I have not seen the decisions back, but the referee has given a penalty. As players we can't let it play on our minds we have to be professional."
On the impact of the substitutes: "Massive, the most important thing is everyone has to be ready because it happened to myself in the euros when I was in and out. Everyone is going to be needed and we saw that with Marcus [Rashford] and he scored 50 seconds after being on the pitch."
Immediate impact
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Marcus Rashford scored just 49 seconds after coming on for England, the third-quickest goal by a substitute in World Cup history behind only Richard Morales for Uruguay vs Senegal in 2002 (16 secs) and Ebbe Sand for Denmark vs Nigeria in 1998 (26 secs).
'It's about expressing ourselves'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England defender Kieran Trippier speaking on BBC One: "There were moments in the game where we know we can improve, myself included I gave the ball away a few times. We've got to enjoy three points and move on to the next game.
"Winning first game in group is always important, we wanted to be on the front foot, we were clinical in the right moments. Now we've got to rest, recover and focus on the next one.
"You can see attacking players we've got, players off the bench made an impact. We've got quality in the team but it's about expressing ourselves. We can enjoy this game but still learn from certain moments and focus on USA."
On young players in squad: "Delighted for them, first goals in first game. They've all worked so hard they have great experience for such a young age. Just about expressing themselves and enjoying it, that's the most important thing.
"I'm 32-years-old and enjoying every game if I'm playing or not I will always be ready."
A Sterling job
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England have won all 16 games in all competitions when Raheem Sterling has found the net, with today’s strike his first ever World Cup goal in what was his 10th appearance in the competition.
'It is a great start but we have to be better'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England boss Gareth Southgate speaking on BBC One: I'm a bit fed up with the end of it. To win by that margin and
play the way as we did for the majority of the game we have to be really happy. We looked ready. We wanted to be that type of team.
"They dealt with game really well, there were lots of stoppages but our pressing and movement was really good. I've got to be really happy but we should not be
conceding two goals at that stage in the game.
"We will have to be right on our game against the USA. It is a great start but we have to be
better."
On England's sloppy finish: "It's a consequence of the score, we had 24 mins of added time across the game and it is a long time to focus and we just lost concentration. When we play at a slow tempo we are nowhere near as
effective."
Pleased overall: "We have some good players and today they really delivered. Our attacking
players look a threat, our defence in the first hour controlled the game and were patient. The midfield were excellent and our forwards looked a threat. It is a great maker to
put down."
"What I particularly liked was Jack Grealish's goal with Callum Wilson on. He could have been selfish but he was thinking of the team even at that moment. I'm a miserable so and so. I should be more excited but I have to keep the team on the right track."
Southgate, you're the one
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Gareth Southgate has won more matches at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) than any other England manager (nine wins), surpassing Sir Alf Ramsey’s total of eight wins.
Post update
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Of teams to have played at least 10 matches at the World Cup, only Bulgaria (11.5%) have a lower win percentage in the competition’s history than Iran (12.5%), who have won just two of their 16 matches (Australia and Morocco also 12.5%).
'Really proud moment for me'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who scored the opener, speaking on BBC One:
"I told you I was saving that goal, really good day game for us. Six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive, regardless of who you play against. they came out really well, really strong, hard to break down and we didn't have anything clear for quite a while.
"With more goals we opened them up but the start was tough and we had to dig it out, even when we we weren't getting it all our own way. Important that we learned how to create chances against those kind of sides. Bit disappointed about the two goals to be honest.
On his goal: "To be honest, I thought it had missed! Then it took ages to loop into the goal. I said I wanted to score more goals for Dortmund and England this year and to get in the right position. Brilliant ball in from Shaw and I was just there to flick it away. Really proud moment for me."
On Southgate's message at full time: "He just said to enjoy the wins because it would have been a very different reaction had we not have got the result but we've got to get ready for the next game and realise that a new challenge is incoming.
"Wins take the pressure off, when you win games, you're at ease for a little bit longer. We know there's a bit more off for the two games but we will still be at the same level, trying to perform and get two more wins because that's how we want to be, that's how we want to carry our mentality hopefully through the rest of the tournament."
We're going to keep going here with all the reaction to England's brilliant opening-game win, but if you want to keep across the second game of the day - between Netherlands and Senegal - you can do so here.
M'colleague Neil Johnston is in the chair to live text commentate you through it. And he's been making me tea all afternoon so he has very much earned your eyes.
Live Reporting
Phil Dawkes
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Latest PostThe perfect start...
Did anyone see this coming?
England have historically been slow starters at major tournaments, often labouring to underwhelming victories against lowly opponents. Not a bit of it in Qatar!
Thanks to Bellingham, Saka, Sterling, Rashford and Grealish, England hit Iran for six to set a high, high bar for the rest of the World Cup. Here is the best action and reaction, followed by the live text commentary as it happened.
I'm off for a lie down.
Enjoy!
'Starting in style'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
'People know what we stand for'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
England boss Gareth Southgate in news conference: "The armband is not something the players or myself have been involved in the last 24 hours.
"The discussions have been ongoing between several European nations and Fifa. I understand Fifa's situation in that you can set a precedent and where do you draw a line. In a ideal world that would be a much clearer situation much earlier but we had to focus on the football. People know what we stand for."
'We still have other levels we can go to'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England manager Gareth Southgate speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Our job over the course of this week was to concentrate on the football and the players did that well. The first half was a bit sticky with the long stoppage for the goalkeeper but we really used the ball well and our attacking threat was there for everyone to see.
"By the end we looked sloppy but just before the end we were pretty good. I have said to the players I have to balance how I feel because we dominated the game and there war so many good performances. But equally we cannot concede two gaols in the manner we did. I understand we had a lot of injury time and we started to drift but we have to be so on it against the States so we have other levels we can go to."
On the penalty decisions: "We are intrigued to know because we had meeting the other day where it was made very clear what would be given as a penalty and we didn't get one and then had one given against us at the end. We will have to speak to find out how that is going to be."
On the preparation for the next match: We know that the next couple of days will be a bit calmer I like how the group has gone about their work and it was nice to get some players on to the pitch and for them to go on and score. I want everyone to get on and when I pick a team I know there will be 11 that are happy and 15 that are not."
Saka your Player of the Match
FT: England 6-2 Iran
You voted England goal scorer Bukayo Saka as your player of the match.
See the full list of results here.
'I feel the love'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
England’s Bukayo Saka in England news conference: “We know coming to the World Cup every game to going to be difficult but we defended well and created a lot of chances. Overall we are happy with our performance.
“Quite a while ago, the miss will be with me forever but I am so blessed to have a coaching staff, at England and Arsenal, my friends and family put their arms around me and the nation has supported me. I feel that love and it gives me a lot of belief in myself."
'These kids only want to play the game'
England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
More from Carlos Quieroz about the reaction of the Iran fans: "Please the teachers, the moralists, let the kids play the game. These kids only want to play the game.
"I hope the players of England and Wales and America praise them for having the courage to play the game. They are here to bring pride and happiness to the people.
"You don't know what the kids have been experiencing behind the scenes just because they want to play football. Whatever they say, they want to kill him.
Of course we have our opinions and we will express them in the right time. But I love the game and don't want the players to do something that isn't loyal to the game that is about the entertainment, joy and pride.
"Everyone knows the present circumstances of the environment of my players is not the best environment. They are human beings, they are kids.
"They only have one dream, to play for the country, to play for the people and I am very proud of the way they stand up and keep fighting. I am very proud of what they did but of course in 14, 18 we had full support of the fans. Now you saw what happened today, the fans who aren't ready to support the team should stay home."
'Complete performance'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Post update
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
More from Carlos Quieroz: "Our job as coaches is not to correct the past. There is no one in this world who can correct what has happened, our job is to influence what is coming."
'We win or we learn'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in Qatar
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz: "My view is simple and very pragmatic. The game was finished in the first half at 3-0 down. The only goal then was to enjoy the game and be part of one moment that we should keep brave and try to play our football.
"The beginning was clear between high level competitive football and our players who don’t have the same experience. But we win or we learn. We are privileged to learn a lot from the English team and are better prepared to play Wales."
'We are delighted with the win'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England right-back Kieran Trippier speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "We wanted to come out on the front foot today and attack really well and we went and got the six goals. We are delighted with the win of course but me and the team are frustrated with the two goals we conceded."
On Jude Bellingham: "Bellingham is an unbelievable player for such a young age. He is playing at such a high level and he is not afraid. He has got to keep his feet on the ground and keep performing at a high level like I know he will."
On the penalty incidents: To be honest I have not seen the decisions back, but the referee has given a penalty. As players we can't let it play on our minds we have to be professional."
On the impact of the substitutes: "Massive, the most important thing is everyone has to be ready because it happened to myself in the euros when I was in and out. Everyone is going to be needed and we saw that with Marcus [Rashford] and he scored 50 seconds after being on the pitch."
Immediate impact
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Marcus Rashford scored just 49 seconds after coming on for England, the third-quickest goal by a substitute in World Cup history behind only Richard Morales for Uruguay vs Senegal in 2002 (16 secs) and Ebbe Sand for Denmark vs Nigeria in 1998 (26 secs).
'It's about expressing ourselves'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England defender Kieran Trippier speaking on BBC One: "There were moments in the game where we know we can improve, myself included I gave the ball away a few times. We've got to enjoy three points and move on to the next game.
"Winning first game in group is always important, we wanted to be on the front foot, we were clinical in the right moments. Now we've got to rest, recover and focus on the next one.
"You can see attacking players we've got, players off the bench made an impact. We've got quality in the team but it's about expressing ourselves. We can enjoy this game but still learn from certain moments and focus on USA."
On young players in squad: "Delighted for them, first goals in first game. They've all worked so hard they have great experience for such a young age. Just about expressing themselves and enjoying it, that's the most important thing.
"I'm 32-years-old and enjoying every game if I'm playing or not I will always be ready."
A Sterling job
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England have won all 16 games in all competitions when Raheem Sterling has found the net, with today’s strike his first ever World Cup goal in what was his 10th appearance in the competition.
'It is a great start but we have to be better'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England boss Gareth Southgate speaking on BBC One: I'm a bit fed up with the end of it. To win by that margin and play the way as we did for the majority of the game we have to be really happy. We looked ready. We wanted to be that type of team.
"They dealt with game really well, there were lots of stoppages but our pressing and movement was really good. I've got to be really happy but we should not be conceding two goals at that stage in the game.
"We will have to be right on our game against the USA. It is a great start but we have to be better."
On England's sloppy finish: "It's a consequence of the score, we had 24 mins of added time across the game and it is a long time to focus and we just lost concentration. When we play at a slow tempo we are nowhere near as effective."
Pleased overall: "We have some good players and today they really delivered. Our attacking players look a threat, our defence in the first hour controlled the game and were patient. The midfield were excellent and our forwards looked a threat. It is a great maker to put down."
"What I particularly liked was Jack Grealish's goal with Callum Wilson on. He could have been selfish but he was thinking of the team even at that moment. I'm a miserable so and so. I should be more excited but I have to keep the team on the right track."
Southgate, you're the one
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Gareth Southgate has won more matches at major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) than any other England manager (nine wins), surpassing Sir Alf Ramsey’s total of eight wins.
Post update
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Of teams to have played at least 10 matches at the World Cup, only Bulgaria (11.5%) have a lower win percentage in the competition’s history than Iran (12.5%), who have won just two of their 16 matches (Australia and Morocco also 12.5%).
'Really proud moment for me'
FT: England 6-2 Iran
England
England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who scored the opener, speaking on BBC One:
"I told you I was saving that goal, really good day game for us. Six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive, regardless of who you play against. they came out really well, really strong, hard to break down and we didn't have anything clear for quite a while.
"With more goals we opened them up but the start was tough and we had to dig it out, even when we we weren't getting it all our own way. Important that we learned how to create chances against those kind of sides. Bit disappointed about the two goals to be honest.
On his goal: "To be honest, I thought it had missed! Then it took ages to loop into the goal. I said I wanted to score more goals for Dortmund and England this year and to get in the right position. Brilliant ball in from Shaw and I was just there to flick it away. Really proud moment for me."
On Southgate's message at full time: "He just said to enjoy the wins because it would have been a very different reaction had we not have got the result but we've got to get ready for the next game and realise that a new challenge is incoming.
"Wins take the pressure off, when you win games, you're at ease for a little bit longer. We know there's a bit more off for the two games but we will still be at the same level, trying to perform and get two more wins because that's how we want to be, that's how we want to carry our mentality hopefully through the rest of the tournament."
Superb tweet
FT: England 6-2 Iran
Meanwhile, at the Al Thumama Stadium...
We're going to keep going here with all the reaction to England's brilliant opening-game win, but if you want to keep across the second game of the day - between Netherlands and Senegal - you can do so here.
M'colleague Neil Johnston is in the chair to live text commentate you through it. And he's been making me tea all afternoon so he has very much earned your eyes.