Saka, Rashford help England rout Iran 6-2

Bellingham favorite for the Golden Boot?

Correction - Saka favorite for the Golden Boot? He is looking good.

I have a lot of sympathy for Iran. I was expecting them to play better - they topped their qualifying league and have a number of good players. Their not singing the national anthem was quite a gesture. And their captain had earlier expressed sympathy for protesters in Iran. I can't imagine what pressure they were under. I hope things turn out OK for the team and their supporters.

But not to put down England's performance. They played really well. Bellingham was my pick. You never know, they might even beat Wales. :-)

I can’t believe that people are already calling the World Cup is Englands. Only a few matches have been played, and all I hear is England can’t lose it.

I can't believe it either, because it isn't true - people are not saying that - it would be laughable to claim that following a victory over a third tier nation that barely tested England's defence.

You say that all you hear is that England can't lose it - I wonder what those sources are. NHL? BBC? Because I haven't heard it anywhere at all.

I suspect that you are creating a fictitious expectation of victory so that you can gloat when England (inevitably) don't win it.

If you are watching abema TV, go the menu and change camera angles. The skycam has no commentary, just stadium sound! Hooray you can save your ears from the inane droning Japanese commentary. Sadly abema, despite being the modern digital option offers no English commentary, Naturally NHK, as they are a joke didn't offer it either.

Well done England they looked dangerous

flammenwerferNov. 22  11:47 pm JST

“ If you are watching abema TV, go the menu and change camera angles. The skycam has no commentary, just stadium sound! Hooray you can save your ears from the inane droning Japanese commentary. Sadly abema, despite being the modern digital option offers no English commentary, Naturally NHK, as they are a joke didn't offer it either. “

my sense is that only the Argies or Samba Boys can stop them. Just my opinion.

flammenwerferNov. 22  11:51 pm JST

” Did your Spidey senses not tell you the Argie pretty boys with their sleeve tattoos and slick haircuts would only look the part of footballers and forget to play against the Saudis? ;) “

**Lmao **(!), great comments (!), flammenwerfer.

Now if Japan was to give the Germans a footy lesson 22:00 tonight, J time on NHK

tomorrow night (Wednesday)

I can’t believe that people are already calling the World Cup is Englands.

I think this is something that you want people to be saying rather than something that people are actually saying.

Only a few matches have been played, and all I hear is England can’t lose it.

Probably you heard someone say that England have a good chance and your mind translated it to, 'England think they have already won the World Cup!'.

It's quite a common thing for people to do so I wouldn't feel too guilty about being suckered.

Maguire still contributed to Iran's first goal though. Why was he selected?

He nearly got the first goal when his header hit the crossbar. No one else is so dominant in the air.

With a massive roar the 3 Lions have made their intentions clear. Englishmen Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Rashford,  Bellingham, and Jacky have given tons of joy to dancing and singing England supporters in Qatar.

tooheysnew thank you, saves me the tuning in to be disappointed, and stops me firing up the BBQ.

Nice win but I think they have a few issues defensively when their up against the better sides like Argentina, Brazil, Spain. Some sides just below them like Portugal could push them too. Anyway I wish them all the best!

I'm hearing a lot of banter from VERY upbeat English friends on social media, and a real confidence that "football is coming home" - the most confident since the heady Sven Goran Ericsson and Beckham days of '02.

With their galaxy of megastars - from Sterling to Saka, Grealish to Bellingham and Kane - my sense is that only the Argies or Samba Boys can stop them. Just my opinion.

Gaffer Southgate truly has this pride of young lion cubs roaring.

Guys, chill, it’s Iran.

..

( smh )

my sense is that only the Argies

...Did your Spidey senses not tell you the Argie pretty boys with their sleeve tattoos and slick haircuts would only look the part of footballers and forget to play against the Saudis? ;)

Did your Spidey senses not tell you the Argie pretty boys with their sleeve tattoos and slick haircuts would only look the part of footballers and forget to play against the Saudis? ;)

I must admit, I had the Argies as one of the top 4 teams at the WC. I'll put my hand up and admit how wrong I was. They were outplayed by the Saudis who may go very, very deep into this tournament. Argies defense was woeful - and that old Angel Di Maria is sadly now just selected on reputation. Just a passenger. Even Messi looks old and slow now, and only a miracle will let him retire with the biggest prize.

Congratulations to the Winning side.

Fun game especially after the first half hour. Iran will be that gimme win for U.S. and Wales.

“[Football] has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence: in other words it is war minus the shooting.”

Credit: George Orwell, The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell 1903-1950

Football, it brings out the best and worst, its simplicity, there are just 17 regulations/rules.

The revenue stream is however enormous, the investment for return without doubt remarkable.

Well played England. Business-like performance against a woeful Iran team. Theyll be partying on the streets of London, Birmingham and Manchester as we speak! Bellingham favorite for the Golden Boot?

The USA was dominant against Wales in the first half and will be disappointed to only come away with the point.

Fun game especially after the first half hour. Iran will be that gimme win for U.S. and Wales.

How much the other teams thrash Iran by will determine the 2 who advance. I'm guessing Eng and USA.

Hapless Iran became hopeless once they lost their first keeper thru injury. However, they did expose the awful English defense in the last 10 minutes

It looks pretty bad for England at the moment. Not their best, certainly not going anywhere this time around old chap.

I can’t believe that people are already calling the World Cup is Englands. Only a few matches have been played, and all I hear is England can’t lose it.

Good result. Maguire still contributed to Iran's first goal though. Why was he selected?

Coming home?.. someone had to say it :0)

I am all for bring what England football supporters wants to bring home.

Let get something into perspective. Iran is ranked 20th in the FIFA ranking, please correct me if I am wrong.

England is in the midst of a national footy orgasm after the first match.

I have heard that a plinth is about to be erected in Trafalgar Square for the trophy.

One match at a time.

Now if Japan was to give the Germans a footy lesson 22:00 tonight, J time on NHK, I hope, BBQ tonight.