England fans celebrate best ever start to World Cup with six goal win against Iran in Qatar

In a World Cup full of statements here was one from England on the pitch. Having been told their opening Group B opponents Iran would be tough, difficult to break down and highly-motivated they blew them away with some sublime attacking football that sent an unequivocal message to the rest of the tournament.

The only drawback was the loss of Harry Maguire, who had been caught out for Iran’s goal, and then sat on the turf appearing groggy. The centre-half managed to walk down the tunnel after being substituted but looked like he may have been concussed.

There were three goals in each half as England matched the total by which they beat Panama (6-1) in Russia four years ago but it was not their biggest winning margin as they conceded twice and that will have annoyed them.