Bukayo Saka said England demonstrated their quality by thrashing Iran 6-2 in their first World Cup game.
The Arsenal star scored twice for the Three Lions, who also had goals from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish to get Gareth Southgate’s team off to a flying start.
Saka, 21, said that the club knew they needed a strong start in Qatar after finishing last in their Nations League group in 2022.
Bukayo Saka’s comment
He said: “We needed that good start. Obviously we weren’t at our best coming into the tournament and there was a lot of talk about our form.
“But we showed everyone how much quality we have and what we can do.
“It’s amazing. But we know we have to be consistent because the next game is coming up in a few days and we have to win again.”
Saka was overjoyed to score a brace in his first World Cup game after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout.
Saka added: “I can’t describe the feeling, it is amazing. I am so happy, so proud and we got the win as well so it is a really special day.
“I feel like I’m in a good place. I have the support from the fans, I really feel the love from the fans, from the coaching staff and from the team-mates.
“That is all I need and I am ready to give 100%. I gave that and I will continue to do that.”
After a shaky start, Bellingham struck his first international goal 35 minutes in to calm England’s worries.
And the 19-year-old understands the value of understanding how to tear down defensive teams.
Jude Bellingham’s reaction
Bellingham said: “It’s a really good day for us. Six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive, regardless of who you are playing against.
“They were really strong and hard to break down. We didn’t have anything clear for a while and I think with more goals [scored] we opened them up.
“But the start was tough and we had to dig them out, because we weren’t getting it all our way.
“It is important that we learnt how to create chances against those sort of sides — and we are a bit disappointed with those two goals conceded.”
England’s next fixture
The Three Lions will now regroup ahead of Friday’s second Group B clash against USA.
