"Saka's Redemption Story Ends England's Perfect Day"

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Host Nation: Qatar Dates: November 20-December 18 Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Day by day TV listings – Full coverage details

Bukayo Saka’s beaming smile as he stepped off the turf at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium was a glorious reflection of an opening to England’s World Cup campaign that was close to perfection.

England’s 6-2 win against Iran it must be placed in the context of how poor the opposition were, Carlos Queiroz’s side gave no hint of how they have recently found themselves in the top 20 of the FIFA world rankings.

That, however, should not detract from a wonderful day for 21-year-old Saka, whose last appearance at a major international tournament was as cruel as the decisive penalty shoot-out failure as England lost the final of Euro 2020 against Italy in July. 2021 brings first tears and then racist abuse.

Saka has done so much since then, notably playing a prominent role in taking Arsenal to the top of the Premier League this season, that he doesn’t exactly need redemption, but it was a special moment to see this rare talent experience such joy. the world stage after their disappointment at Wembley.

And it was a very different greeting he received from manager Gareth Southgate, who consoled the fallen youngster at Wembley as he was able to share in the joy of a superb individual display here.

Southgate’s plans, at least for the group stage, had been clear and the only slightly controversial part of his first-team selection here in Doha was a preference for Saka ahead of another prodigious young talent, Phil Foden of Manchester City.

It should have been a close call, but Saka has been on top of his game this season and has shown in previous performances that this level suits him.

Southgate’s decision was amply rewarded with a fine first-half goal past Iran substitute goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini, who replaced Alireza Beiranvand after suffering concussion early on, to make it 2-0 after a composed strike into the bottom corner with his left foot. 4-0.

Foden has a rich England career ahead of him, but Saka’s excellence ensured there were no qualms about Southgate’s call.

Saka said: “I can’t describe the feeling. I’m so happy and proud. We also got the win, so it’s a very special day.

“I feel in a good place. I feel the support and love of the fans, the coaching staff and my teammates. That’s all I need. I feel ready to give 100% and I will continue to do that every time put your shirt on.”

England manager Southgate also had a very good day. Not only did he see Saka deliver, he stayed with Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire and both made contributions, the Chelsea striker superbly tapping in a Harry Kane cross to make it 3-0 before the break.

Maguire was solid, almost scoring with a header that hit the crossbar, but struck the only worrying note of England’s day when he was substituted after appearing to be concussed.

Kane did not take part in the goalscoring event as he is three shy of breaking Wayne Rooney’s record 53 goals for England, but Southgate and his captain hope he will be saved for a tougher day.

It was only the second time England had scored six at a major tournament, the first also coming for Southgate in Russia 2018 when Panama were beaten 6-1.

Of course, this being the World Cup in Qatar, no day or match would be complete without a political backdrop of some form and it certainly arrived for both England and Iran.

Hours before kick-off, England were forced to walk away from a plan to wear the ‘OneLove’ armband promoting diversity and inclusion under the threat of a FIFA sanction for any player who show the gesture of support.

And while it mattered little to the many Iran fans inside the stadium on the pitch, they joined their players in making a strong statement about their grievances and highlighting the growing human rights protests against the regime in his native land.

Iran’s national anthem was chanted by the fans and none of Iran’s players joined in. They were clearly determined to make this day count even if it didn’t bring them the sporting result they wanted.

It was England’s day on the field, the thrashing started with a superb header from Jude Bellingham, the 19-year-old looked every inch the player expected to make a big impact at this World Cup.

And as the good news piled up for England and Southgate, Marcus Rashford scored with virtually his first touch after coming on as a substitute, while another substitute, Callum Wilson, showed real selflessness to leave pass up a presentable goal chance to set up an easy finish for Jack Grealish.

England received a standing ovation from the fans before joining their families in the stands after the final whistle.

It will be much tougher than that against the United States and Wales in Group B, but England and Southgate could not have asked for more, especially from the outstanding Saka.

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