World Cup 2022

JUST when Harry Maguire thought his season could not get any more frustrating.The England defender, after an absolutely wretched season with Manchester United, looked back to his old self at the Khalifa International Stadium today.
Harry Maguire looked back to his best against IranCredit: Reuters
The defender was forced off mid-way through the second halfCredit: Getty
Maguire was treated on the pitch for a suspected concussionCredit: Getty
Jude Bellingham put England in front with his first England goalCredit: EPA
Goalscorers Bellingham and Bukayo Saka celebrateCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
His defending was composed, his passing through the lines was outstanding and in the final third of the pitch – in what was a terrific England performance – he was causing absolute chaos.
And then moments after Mehdi Tarebi pulled one goal back for 4-1 in the 65th minute, with fingers pointing at Maguire, the defender was being checked by a medic for concussion.
Soon after, a bewildered-looking and totally pi**ed off Maguire was trudging off the pitch.
His afternoon was done and England brought on Eric Dier as the replacement. For poor old Harry, you really could not make it up.
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This one blip, though, should take nothing anyway from an utterly brilliant England performance.
Officially, Maguire did not go off with a concussion meaning he could play against the United States on Friday.
After delivering his worst ever England performance in the 3-3 draw with Germany in September, Maguire was delivering one of his finest.
Ahead of the game, there were huge cheers, with only stifled jeers when Maguire’s name was announced.
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Many supporters back home, though, will have felt slightly different, believing Gareth Southgate’s loyalty had gone too far.
Maguire, who has only started three Premier League games this season for United, barely put a foot wrong here at the Khalifa International Stadium until signalling he could not continue.
The centre-back had strong calls for a penalty after being wrestled to the ground by Rouzbeh Chesmi, with the pair having a running battle. But after a VAR check, no spot-kick was given despite Maguire’s protests.
Maguire then had the first chance of the game but was unable to get a clean connection to Harry Kane’s cross.
During the lengthy stoppage time for the Iranian keeper, England’s fans behind the goal, about 4000 of them, delivered a rendition of the Harry Maguire song, something the central defender will have loved.
Maguire then rattled the Iranian crossbar with a powerful header from Kieran Trippier’s corner.
And Maguire then started the brilliant move with a clever pass from the back that led to Luke Shaw crossing for Jude Bellingham to light up the game with an outstanding header.
Saka scored twice as England romped to a 6-2 winCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Marcus Rashford scored moments after coming onCredit: Getty
Raheem Sterling also got on the scoresheetCredit: Reuters
Maguire was one of the first to congratulate the 19-year-old and then played a part in the second goal.
Because of the tussles he was having at set-pieces, Maguire dropped back to the edge of the area. It was an obvious ploy and he was picked out by Luke Shaw from another corner to tee the ball up for Bukayo Saka to produce a stunning finish for the second.
Raheem Sterling, playing on the left of a front three, had not seen the ball as much as Saka, but he made his presence felt by sticking out a foot to dispatch Kane’s cross into the net.
Maybe with his confidence back, Maguire was spraying the ball around the pitch and on one occasion in the second half, tore forward in a counter-attack.
The highlight of the game, in terms of individual skill, was certainly Saka’s goal for 4-0.
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Tarebi pulled one back as he drifted around the back of Maguire to score. And to make matters worse, Maguire had clearly taken a knock to the head before the goal and went off with that injury.
Yet the goals kept flowing with Marcus Rashford scoring with his first touches since missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final while Jack Grealish put the seal on an incredible England performance before Iran pulled another back with a ridiculously-awarded penalty. More

FANS are all saying the same thing after there were 24 minutes added to England’s World Cup opener against Iran.The Three Lions were dominant in the 6-2 thrashing of their opponents, but fans were talking about the staggering amount of added time.
Referee Raphael Claus added 24 minutes of injury time across the two halves of England’s game against IranCredit: Getty
One said: “24 minutes of extra time is something.”
Another tweeted: “They are 6-1 down, 10 minutes extra time is violence.”
A third added: “This is a 114-minute football match without going to extra-time. I think it’s over, ref.”
A fourth said: “24 minutes of extra time they’re trying to extend this suffering lmao.”
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In the first half there were 14 minutes added on, mostly due to the head injury to Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
The Iranian collided with his own defender and spent a long time on the ground.
He had tried to play on but was eventually replaced as it was evident that he could not carry on.
In the second half, England’s Harry Maguire also suffered a head injury and was forced to be substituted.
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Captain Harry Kane also required some treatment for a knock on his ankle, but he was OK to carry on.
Time was also added on for the substitutes that came on, with each team replacing five players throughout the game.
Another reason for the amount of added time was down to the insistence from FIFA to clamp down on time-wasting.
Two of the senior World Cup whistlers, Holland’s Danny Makkelie and Chris Beath of Australia, both confirmed that refs will ensure extra time is added to stop the wasters gaining an advantage.
Makkelie, one of the leading contenders to take charge of the Final on December 18, said: “You can expect longer halves, for sure. 
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“This is one of the topics we have spoken about. 
“It will not be strange to see six, seven, eight minutes of extra time. 
“We did this in Russia and everybody was positive. And for sure we will continue this approach here.” More

HIS rise has been as fast as one of his galloping runs from midfield.Jude Bellingham, 19, gave England the perfect start to their World Cup campaign by heading home the opener in the 6-2 win against Iran.
Jude Bellingham celebrates giving England the lead with Mason MountCredit: Reuters
Bellingham’s towering header gave the Three Lions the perfect startCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
It was in 2020, when football fans around the world were shocked that Borussia Dortmund paid £30million to snatch him from Championship side Birmingham.
But, today he could be worth four times that – after excelling in the Bundesliga and establishing himself in Gareth Southgate’s team.
His nine goals in all competitions this season show why he has been compared to box-to-box midfield legend, Bryan Robson.
While Bellingham, the son of a non-league footballer and policeman, became only the second teenager to score for the Three Lions at a World Cup.
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And football’s hottest property will certainly continue to interest the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Man Utd as he continues his incredible form.
To think, modest Bellingham once hoped that he could have a career as good as dad, Mark.

Record breaker
Bellingham made his Birmingham City debut in 2019 aged 16 years and 38 days in the Carabao Cup against  Portsmouth, becoming the Blues’ youngest player.
Bellingham has come a long way since his days in Birmingham’s youth teamsCredit: Twitter @bellinghamjude
Goalscoring midfielder Bellingham celebrates scoring for his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport
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His impressive technique, as well as comparisons to Robson, saw the wonderkid linked with a move to Manchester United – who were said to have had a bid turned down for the talent.
Europe’s giants also circled, as the player who was earning just £145-per-week as a scholar was about to become one of the most highly-paid youngsters in the game.
Guiding him through his career is his dad, Mark, a sergeant in the West Midlands Police — and prolific former non-league striker who played over 700 games for teams such as Stourbridge, Leamington, Bromsgrove and Halesowen.
While his brother Jobe Bellingham is also making a name for himself at Birmingham.
“If I get anywhere near that I’ll have had a great career. I’ll try my best!” Bellingham said comparing his own achievements to his father’s.
“My mum, dad, brother, grandparents — they are the reason I’m here today, because of all the sacrifices they have made.”
Jude Bellingham’s dad Mark, left, played non-league footballCredit: Birmingham City FC
Bellingham became Birmingham City’s youngest ever player in 2016Credit: Rex Features
Beating Trevor Francis
Birmingham legend Trevor Francis – the previous youngest Blues scorer – was watching his grandson play for their Academy when he first heard about Bellingham.
There had been a buzz about him for some time and Francis asked people: “Who is he? They say he could beat my record.”
In 2019, he did just that — at 16 years and 63 days — when he grabbed the winner to sink Stoke.
It meant Bellingham eclipsed Francis twice in a month after his age-defying debut against Pompey.
Bellingham later revealed: “The kind of person I am meant I wanted to beat the record, or see how close I could get to it because I’ve heard how great Trevor Francis was.”
Having impressed so much, he went on to make 44 appearances in all competitions in his first season.
In 2019, Bellingham beat Trevor Francis’ goalscoring recordCredit: PA:Empics Sport
A young Bellingham poses with Birmingham legend Trevor FrancisCredit: Refer to Caption
Germany calling
It seemed inevitable that Bellingham would move on to bigger and better things after starring in the Championship at such a precious age.
But a move to Borussia Dortmund was a shock, given his suitors at the time.
He visited Manchester United, who arranged a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson to help push a deal over the line.
However, after seeing how Sancho had prospered after leaving United’s rivals Manchester City, Bellingham was drawn to Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund signed Bellingham from Birmingham for £30mCredit: Borussia Dortmund
Bellingham (C) poses as he signs his contract next to Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke (L) and sporting director Michael ZorcCredit: Getty Images
He flew to Germany in the summer of 2020 to sign a deal worth £30million – the highest fee for a 17-year-old ever.
“I’m incredibly excited to have joined one of Europe’s biggest clubs,” he said at the time.
“The direction they are heading in and how much they help to improve young players made it an easy decision for myself and my family.”
Bundesliga success
Immediately recognising his talent, Dortmund thrust Bellingham into their first team to blood the boy.
And they were justified with that decision, again with the teen breaking even more records.
On his debut in the DFB-Pokal against third-tier MSV Duisburg Bellingham scored the second goal in a comfortable 5-0 win.
His strike after half-an-hour made him the youngest scorer in a competitive match for the club – breaking Nuri Sahin’s record by six days.
Bellingham has starred for Dortmund in GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
With nine goals this season, Bellingham is flying for DortmundCredit: EPA
Then, when he appeared in the Champions League against Lazio in 2020, Bellingham became the youngest Englishman to start a Champions League match, breaking the record previously set by Phil Foden.
He also made history earlier this season when he became the youngest captain in the Bundesliga after he was handed the armband for a match against Cologne.
On the world stage his talents were recognised for this year’s Golden Boy Award – coming second behind Spain wonderkid Gavi.
Bellingham’s time has come. And in Qatar, he could further improve his stock with more swashbuckling displays. More

ENGLAND swept Iran aside with ease to get their World Cup campaign off to the perfect start.Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a superb header, before quickfire goals from Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling put the game to bed before the break.
Jude Bellingham scored England’s first goal of the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Bukayo Saka scored twice in the 5-1 win over IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The irresistible Saka added another after the break and both Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish came off the bench to net, with two Iran consolations through Mehdi Taremi.
And the 6-2 victory, Gareth Southgate will hope, should set the tone for the next two group games.
Repeat performances in the games against USA and Wales would see the Three Lions breeze into the knockouts, with Bellingham’s expert looping header adding more millions to his transfer value.
Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated the Three Lions…
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Jordan Pickford – 6
Tough to judge him in a game in which he didn’t have a save to make.
But his long distribution was not the best, even when not under pressure. Almost punished for dallying on ball early in second half.
Dived the wrong way for Taremi’s stoppage time penalty.
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Kieran Trippier – 7
Got forward from the start and dead-ball deliveries were a regular threat.
Was guilty of some loose passes, however, and one almost let Iran in twice in the second half.
Must be sharper against better opponents.
John Stones – 7
An understated but important performance that gave others the chance to shine.
Solid at back, stepped into midfield to help keep the ball moving quickly as England established and maintained dominance.
Harry Maguire – 8
Should have earned penalty, hit the bar, started move for first goal, won header for second.
But just as you thought, ‘Take that, haters!’, lost his man for Iran’s goal – although seemed to have knock on head.
Harry Maguire was superb before having to come off injuredCredit: Reuters
Luke Shaw – 7
Once England sorted out the congestion down the left, he came into the game.
Lovely cross for Bellingham’s goal and well-worked corner that led to the second.
His left foot will be key to England’s hopes. 
Declan Rice – 7
At times played like the captain SunSport columnist Tony Adams thinks he should be.
Main role was tidying up but made important interception at 1-0.
Loose header led to Iran’s best first-half chance.

Jude Bellingham – 9
Gave a brilliant mature performance in his first tournament start.
Glided round the pitch like a boss, running with the ball and running the game.
Great header to break the deadlock, crucial role in the third.
Bellingham marshalled the midfield superbly
Bellingham’s pass map against Iran
Mason Mount – 7
Fought Sterling for space early on but then found his groove.
Shot into side-netting before playing part in opening goal and kept popping up where Iran didn’t want him to be.
Like Saka, took some kicks.
Bukayo Saka – 9
At it from the start, working hard to make things happen against opponents happy to stay in their own half.
Brave on the ball and in taking the fouls that followed.
Lovely finish for his first, deserved deflection for second.
Saka celebrates after scoring his secondCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Raheem Sterling – 7
Started slowly, but played his part in Mount’s chance and Bellingham’s opener before ending his personal goal drought in fine style.
You could see the confidence returning as he surged to play Saka in for his second.
Harry Kane – 7
Insisted he was happy to be provider as well as scorer and he wasn’t kidding.
An unselfish display, often back to goal and dropping deeper to help bring others into the game.
Teed up Sterling and Rashford’s goals.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (on for Saka, 70 mins) – 7
Scored before the stadium announcer had even finished announcing England’s four subs. Cool finish. Almost had a second.
Jack Grealish (on for Sterling, 70 mins) – 7
Like Manchester City colleague Foden, kept the ball well but didn’t go for the jugular. In the right place to get the sixth.
Phil Foden (on for Mount, 70 mins – 6
Fine pass gave Rashford another chance. Neat and composed, with the odd dangerous touch around the box.
Eric Dier (on for Maguire, 70 mins) – 6
Let Iran in soon after coming on but fortunately the shot was off target.
Otherwise solid.
Callum Wilson (on for Kane, 75 mins) – 7
Useful experience as he made his major tournament debut and unselfishly squared for Grealish to score. More

RAMPANT England announced themselves as serious World Cup contenders – as they equalled their best ever tournament result by demolishing Iran. Bukayo Saka netted a brilliant double after Jude Bellingham’s first international goal had powered England in front. 
Bellingham, 19, celebrates with Mason MountCredit: Getty
Saka is congratulated for his first-half strikeCredit: Reuters
Raheem Sterling volleyed home the last of a three-goal ten-minute blitz before half-time.
And sub Marcus Rashford added the fifth with his first touches for England since missing a penalty at last year’s Euros before Jack Grealish completed the rout. 
It was sensational stuff from Gareth Southgate’s side, who arrived at the tournament on the back of a six-match winless run, with the manager widely criticised for being overly-cautious. 
This was nothing of the sort as an Iranian team ranked as high as 20th in the world, and known for defensive meanness, were blown to smithereens.
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Captain Harry Kane provided two assists in one of his best all-round performances for England – despite failing to find the net himself.  
Plenty of normally-sensible people had been tipping England to win this World Cup, which – after such a miserable Nations League relegation campaign seemed quite a leap of faith. 
That was until England started surging forward, their front three outstanding, with the 19-year-old Bellingham properly announcing himself on the world stage with a performance of influence and authority. 
This was not a perfect performance – there were moments of raggedness in midfield and defence which would be punished by stronger opponents – but it was mightily impressive and it felt as if Southgate had taken the handbrake off.
England dominated possession in rout of Iran
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Bukayo Saka was outstanding against Iran
England face the United States on Friday and Wales next Tuesday but they look like storming through Group B and into the knock-out phase after this rout.  
Southgate’s starting line-up was an attacking one, his loyal yeoman Harry Maguire in the centre of a back four, despite his struggles at Manchester United. 
The England boss showed similar loyalty to out-of-form Sterling and handed a first tournament start to Bellingham. 
After the controversy over Kane’s ‘One Love’ armband – he didn’t wear it when Fifa made it apparent that he’d be booked for it – England took the knee and made a bright start, moving the ball with pace and purpose. 
Maguire appeared to be wrestled over by Rouzbeh Cheshmi from a corner but Brazilian ref Raphael Claus and his VAR were having none of it. 
A quick-thinking Kieran Trippier free-kick released Kane down the right but keeper Alireza Beyranvand pushed away the captain’s centre, collided with his own defender, knocking him out and leaving him with a bloodied nose. 
There was an eight-minute delay while he was treated, then Beyranvand swiftly collapsed to the floor again and was eventually carried off on a stretcher – replaced by Hossein Hosseini.  
Jude Bellingham glances England in front on 35 minutesCredit: PA
Bukayo Saka volleys England into a 2-0 leadCredit: Getty
Jude Bellingham had a huge impact on his World Cup debut
After a sharp passing move, Saka’s low centre was met by Mount, who shot into the side netting at the near post.
Sterling executed a nutmeg and forced a corner, with Trippier’s centre crashed against the bar post by Maguire, who had moved well to win his header. 
And on 35 minutes, England were ahead, Luke Shaw centring from the left and Bellingham rising to beat his man and arc home a header which powered into the far corner, with Hosseini rooted to the spot. 
It was Bellingham’s first international goal, on his 18th England appearance, but a continuation of a fine run of goalscoring for Borussia Dortmund this season.  
Within eight minutes, England doubled their lead, Shaw’s corner met with a downward header by Maguire, with Saka lashing into the roof of the net via a minor deflection.
And just two minutes later, it was 3-0 thanks to a cracking passing move. 
Bellingham surged forward and fed Kane, whose perfect right-wing cross was poked home on the volley by the on-rushing Sterling. 
When Iran finally got a sight on goal, during 15 minutes, Ali Jahanbakhsh volleyed over – and he was one of three players hooked by boss Carlos Queiroz at half-time. 
Raheem Sterling stabs England into dreamlandCredit: Reuters
Sterling celebrates making it 3-0 before half-timeCredit: Getty
Early in the second half both Kane and Trippier suffered knocks but carried on regardless.
The fourth goal was a gem. Kane’s header intercepted a goal kick, Sterling pounced and fed Saka, who teased his full-back and fooled three Iranian defenders before he side-footed home with maximum cool, Hosseini motionless once more.
Iran responded, though, with a peach of their own – Ali Gholizadeh’s reverse pass was leathered home first time by Porto’s Mehdi Taremi. 
Maguire appeared to suffer a head injury during the build-up and was replaced by Eric Dier, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford arrived in place of Sterling, Saka and Mason Mount.  
And seconds later, Rashford added a fifth – Kane held it up brilliantly and fed Rashford, who kippered his full-back, cut in from the right and slotted home brilliantly.
Then Bellingham won a 50-50 tackle and made a killer pass with the same touch – and two more subs combined, Callum Wilson surging down the right and unselfishly cutting back for Grealish to net the sixth.
Jordan Pickford made an excellent save to tip a Sardar Azmoun shot onto the bar in the dying seconds.
But from the resulting corner, VAR awarded a penalty for a John Stones shirt-pull and Teremi slotted home a consolation from the spot.
Declan Rice played a key role in midfield
Saka is congratulated after making it 4-0Credit: Alamy
Mehdi Taremi grabs a consolation goalCredit: Getty
Marcus Rashford makes it 5-1 immediately after coming onCredit: Getty More