Advertisement
Alamy Stock Photo

As it happened: England v Iran, World Cup

England faced Iran, as the Three Lions looked to justify their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

England 6-2 Iran

Hello, and welcome to today’s liveblog for the second World Cup group stage game.

Given that they are one of the pre-tournament favourites, England will be looking to lay down a marker today.

They will be heavily fancied both to beat Iran and top their group.

However, Carlos Queiroz has a reputation for making teams difficult to beat and England aren’t coming into this game in the best of form, having gone six matches without a win.

So it could be a tricky encounter for the Three Lions against opponents who are likely to set out to frustrate and put 11 men behind the ball.

Kick-off is at 1pm Irish time.

The BBC pundits are discussing the controversial Fifa decision to ban countries from wearing the ‘One Love’ armbands.

Alan Shearer believes it is “unfair” on the players to put themselves in a tricky position on the day of the game, while Rio Ferdinand believes the various federations need to be “stronger” in combatting the wishes of Giovanni Infantino and co.

A reminder of this game’s political backdrop…

Who do you think will win?


Poll Results:

England (354)
Draw (92)
Iran (76)

We’re underway…

England have started on the front foot as expected.

A corner is played in and both Maguire and Stones go down in the area, but the referee ignores England’s protests.

david-beckham-right-in-the-stands-before-the-fifa-world-cup-group-b-match-at-the-khalifa-international-stadium-in-doha-qatar-picture-date-monday-november-21-2022 David Beckham (right) in the stands before the FIFA World Cup Group B match at the Khalifa International Stadium. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

So far, England have dominated possession as expected.

They create their first decent chance, as Kane crosses for Maguire, but the defender can’t quite connect properly with the ball and turns it wide.

There’s then a long stoppage as goalkeeper Beyranvand receives attention, as he collided with his own player while attempting to gather the cross.

englands-declan-rice-and-jude-bellingham-take-the-knee-before-the-fifa-world-cup-group-b-match-at-the-khalifa-international-stadium-in-doha-qatar-picture-date-monday-november-21-2022 England's Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham take the knee. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Beyranvand was initially deemed okay to continue, but he goes down again moments later.

The substitute goalkeeper Hosseini will come on in his place for his seventh cap.

The substitution is finally made after a lengthy delay.

You’d imagine there’ll be about 10 minutes of first-half stoppage time as a result of that extended halt in play.

It continues to be a very slow, stop-start contest.

Iran had a rare foray into English territory moments ago, but couldn’t make the most out of a free kick from a promising position on the left.

Meanwhile, Jahanbakhsh has just been booked for a late challenge on Shaw — not the first aggressive tackle from Iran today.

Kane finds Saka, but the Arsenal star’s finish is tame and Hosseini gathers easily.

That’s a nice comfortable start for the substitute goalkeeper.

Close!

Saka links up well with Sterling on the right.

The Arsenal’s star’s low cross finds Mount, whose first-time finish from a tight angle hits the side netting.

England come the closest yet to scoing.

Trippier floats a corner in and Maguire’s header comes back off the crossbar.

Set pieces were England’s greatest weapon at the last World Cup and the same could be the case in Qatar.

ENGLAND 1-0 IRAN (BELLINGHAM 35)

England lead and it’s a brilliant moment for 19-year-old Jude Bellingham.

Shaw produces a perfect cross and the Borussia Dortmund midfielder steers a well-executed header into the corner of the net.

That goal has been coming and it’s hard to see a way back for Iran from this point.

ENGLAND 2-0 IRAN (SAKA 43)

ENGLAND 3-0 IRAN (STERLING 45)

Two goals in quick succession for England to effectively end the match as a contest.

Firstly Shaw’s corner is headed down by Maguire and Saka produces a superb finish from the edge of the area.

Moments later, England counter at speed. Kane crosses for Sterling, who makes no mistake, volleying home from close range.

I would say Iran will be relieved to see the half-time whistle.

However, on account of that lengthy stoppage, 14 minutes will be added on to compound Carlos Queiroz side’s misery.

Here’s a look at the second and third goals…

This game has been fairly uneventful since the third goal.

You’d imagine England may take it easy from here while Iran will be happy to keep the score down.

As I type, however, Hajisafi crosses for Jahanbakhsh, but the winger’s shot goes well over the bar.

HALF-TIME: ENGLAND 3-0 IRAN

Half-time and it’s so far, so good from an English perspective.

Gareth Southgate’s side simply look far too good for a sub-par Iranian outfit who have offered little resistance.

Some of the more inexperienced players — Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka — have been among the most impressive performers. You could argue that neither were seen as guaranteed starters in recent times, but it will be hard to drop them based on today’s performance.

It’s really only a question of how many for England now, and Gareth Southgate will probably look to rest certain players in the second half by bringing them off early.

It’s not been a good start to the tournament for Asian sides, with a likely comprehensive defeat for Iran coming off the back of a similarly convincing loss suffered by hosts Qatar yesterday.

The second half is underway.

There’s a nervy moment early on for Pickford, as his clearance is blocked down by an Iran player but it deflects away to safety.

england-fans-celebrate-at-the-budweiser-fan-festival-london-at-outernet-during-a-screening-of-the-fifa-world-cup-group-b-match-between-england-and-iran-picture-date-monday-november-21-2022 England fans celebrate at the Budweiser Fan Festival London at Outernet. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Worrying moment for England as Harry Kane goes down injured following a late challenge by Pouraliganji, who gets booked.

The Tottenham star has a knock on the ankle, but it doesn’t look too bad.

He may be taken off as a precaution anyway.

Kane looks like he’ll be okay to continue.

Trippier is also the victim of a late tackle but the injury again doesn’t appear too serious.

Lovely link-up play between Kane and Sterling allows the latter to sprint through on goal.

However, Hosseini does well to get back and make a good recovery challenge to deny the Chelsea star.

The second half has unsurprisingly been a damp squib.

With the game already decided, there is no real tension in the match.

England’s players just need to try to avoid injuries now.

ENGLAND 4-0 IRAN (SAKA 62)

It’s 4-0 and it’s all too easy for Saka.

Sterling plays it to the Arsenal star, who finds space on the edge of the area having been afforded plenty of time and space, enabling him to produce another fine finish to consolidate England’s advantage.

ENGLAND 4-1 IRAN (TAREMI 65)

Gholizadeh plays an incisive through pass to Taremi.

The 30-year-old Porto striker escapes the attention of Maguiren and scores with a brilliant first-time finish off the crossbar and in.

Maguire appeared to take a knock in the build-up to that goal and has to come off.

Tottenham’s Eric Dier will come on in his place.

England make four substitutions in total

Saka, Maguire, Mount and Sterling are off.

Dier, Foden, Rashford and Grealish are on

ENGLAND 5-1 IRAN (RASHFORD 72)

Kane does well in the build-up, controlling a long ball and setting up Rashford.

The Manchester United forward, fresh off the bench, shows good composure to slot home, but again, he is given all the space in the world.

England make another change.

Harry Kane hasn’t scored, but he’s played quite well.

Southgate realises the need to wrap him up in cotton wool ahead of future games, so Callum Wilson comes on in his place.

englands-harry-kane-holds-his-ankle-after-a-challenge-during-the-fifa-world-cup-group-b-match-at-the-khalifa-international-stadium-in-doha-qatar-picture-date-monday-november-21-2022 England's Harry Kane holds his ankle after a challenge during the FIFA World Cup Group B match. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Here’s a look at all the second-half goals so far…

England are playing with a real swagger now.

The game has an exhibition feel at this stage.

Iran have never gotten out of the group stages of a World Cup, and they don’t look likely to reverse that trend based on today’s performance.

ENGLAND 6-1 IRAN (GREALISH 89)

England get a sixth late on.

The impressive Bellingham plays a well-weighted through pass for Wilson.

The Newcastle star could go for goal himself, but instead, unselfishly lays it on a plate for Grealish who converts it into the empty net.

We’re set for another lengthy period of stoppage time.

10 minutes will be added on.

This surely must be among the longest World Cup group games in history.

Iran nearly get another consolation.

Azmoun is played through on goal as he evades the challenge on Stones, but Pickford gets the slightest of touches on his finish and it comes back off the crossbar.

Penalty for Iran.

After a VAR check, Stones is punished for a jersey pull on Pouraliganji.

ENGLAND 6-2 IRAN (TAREMI 90 + 11)

Taremi sends Pickford the wrong way from the spot for a late, late goal.

That’s his 30th goal for 60 international appearances.

FULL-TIME: ENGLAND 6-2 IRAN

doha-catar-21st-nov-2022-se-celebrates-his-goal-during-a-match-between-england-and-iran-valid-for-the-group-stage-of-the-world-cup-held-at-khalifa-international-stadium-in-doha-qatar-credit-r Iran players celebrate. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

So that’s that.

England made their superiority count against a limited Iran team.

Based on that performance, they deserve to be considered among the favourites.

Saka, Kane, Bellingham and Sterling were among the players to impress.

There were a few worries — Maguire going off injured was one, while the defence in general looked a little ropey at times, as illustrated by the fact they conceded twice against an Iran side that offered little in attack.

Overall though, Southgate will be happy with their opening performance and will be now hoping they can seal a place in the knockout stages with a game to spare by beating USA in their next game on Friday.

Right, that’s all from me for now.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

You can read our match report here and we’ll have more reaction to follow shortly.

For the latest news coverage on the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022, see here >

Close
37 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mallon
    Favourite Paul Mallon
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 10:02 AM

    Eddie’s just disappointed his profits are taking a hit.

    89
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Dunne
    Favourite Brian Dunne
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 10:22 AM

    @Paul Mallon: he is a business man in all fairness.

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute P M
    Favourite P M
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 10:46 AM

    Weird that music promotors seem to make plenty of money all the time in Croker, Hearn just chancing his arm looking to make more money. Ringside tickets will cost a few hundred minimum so he would stand to make more than any music concert plus he would be able to have Hill 16 open which you wouldn’t get at a gig.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Quinlan
    Favourite Tom Quinlan
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 9:45 AM

    Because the GAA are trying to milk it. Hearn can’t milk it. As he says himself that’s business

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Stone
    Favourite Niall Stone
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 10:13 AM

    So it’s gone from twice as expensive to three times as expensive. Negotiations are going well.
    So we have CP at a risky 80K and his option at 8K. Has he looked outside of these options, that’s all we have here 8K or 80K. What about 50K at the Aviva? 45K at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
    There are more options in Ireland between 8 and 80K capacity.

    I think this man just wants PPV, and or to get KT a fight, any fight at home. I don’t imagine it’s what she really imagined or deserved but it looks like he’d rather blame CP than list some other options.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute baz dunne
    Favourite baz dunne
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 12:24 PM

    @Niall Stone: Aviva will be hosting the Heineken cup final that evening so that’s a non starter.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Stone
    Favourite Niall Stone
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2023, 2:20 AM

    @baz dunne: Point is there must be other options. He switched a fighter, switch the date

    As he says it is a risk as it’s a less attractive fight now. Would this fight attract 80K? His second fight option would be less likely to attract a full house and he knows it, cold feet.

    Steve Collins got good crowds in Cork, or select a different night.

    In my opinion, he wants to go for safe PPV money, minimally meet KTs desire to fight in Ireland, hold the Amanda Serrano fight somewhere else all the while blaming the GAA. He could do more, be proactive rather than keep churning out the same sad story about CP.
    He’s like a guy arguing with a bouncer to get into a nightclub, move on, go somewhere else.

    8K tickets for KTs home match is underwhelming. She deserves more, he’s her agent not the GAA.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute baz dunne
    Favourite baz dunne
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 9:36 AM

    No doubt he’s right, The grab all association were always going to try and milk this for all its worth and more.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry Campbell
    Favourite Gerry Campbell
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 10:55 AM

    @baz dunne: Ah here,I’m not beyond having a go at the GAA,but Eddie Hearne,please…The GAA were dead right and its up the price should go,bye Eddie don’t let the door hit you in the Arse.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute baz dunne
    Favourite baz dunne
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 12:22 PM

    @Gerry Campbell: In fairness you’re not wrong. There’s the pair of them in it.

    8
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mcr
    Favourite mcr
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 2:14 PM

    @baz dunne: was wondering how long before some anti gaa gobdaw would come up with the ‘grab all association’ line… When has no knowledge of numbers involved. All we need now is a brilliant original Father Ted line…

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lad
    Favourite Lad
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 4:06 PM

    @baz dunne: he didn’t say the pair of them were at it..

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Zim Zimma
    Favourite Zim Zimma
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 10:21 AM

    As much as I don’t like Hearn I have no doubt he’s telling the truth. As my Granda used to say and the older I’ve got the more I’ve seen the truth in it in politics, institutions and pretty much every facet of life, he said, Ireland will never get anywhere, because it is a nation run by gombeen men, they’d sell their own mothers if you offered them the right price, but if you were dying of thirst they wouldn’t give you a drop of water unless there was something in it for them.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Kennedy
    Favourite Joe Kennedy
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 8:08 PM

    @Zim Zimma: we see what we want to see. Try looking at things more positively than your Granda did, and you might see things differently!

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Geary
    Favourite John Geary
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 11:27 AM

    Tell Eddie, we saw how Wembley operated during the Euro’s final a couple of years back. Absolute chaos with the level of security & policing they put on. I wouldn’t be using them as a good example.. He’s also looking to schedule same wkend as the European rugby final in the Aviva. Just go for a night in August or Sept when nothings clashing with it.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Sheehan
    Favourite Mark Sheehan
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 12:26 PM

    @John Geary: if fans want to behave as they did last summer at Wembley or Lansdowne Rd years ago no amount of security or policing will suffice. Also much the scheduling of bouts is determined by training regimes.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim Moran
    Favourite Jim Moran
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 11:49 AM

    The only lad to complain about the cost of holding an event in Croke Park. It sure is a bad taste he has left.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Frazier
    Favourite Robert Frazier
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 10:22 AM

    How much are gardai getting paid?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kev Coburn
    Favourite Kev Coburn
    Report
    Mar 21st 2023, 6:30 PM

    To be fair to him, it costs an absolute fortune to insure and police big-time Boxing events in Ireland. The amount of rival criminal gang members that would invariably show up would increase the likelihood of a Regency shooting style incident occurring. Despite their willingness to push other events through, and the high esteem in which Katie Taylor is held, I cannot see the Irish government wanting anything to do with assisting something that could potentially be associated with such negative publicity. Regular, large scale, professional Boxing events, on these shores, are a thing of the past. With or without star drawing power.

    6
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel