World Cup 2022: Bukayo Saka's tale of redemption caps England's perfect day

The opening of the England's World Cup campaign was very close to perfect, as evidenced by the smile on the man's face as he stepped off the grass.

England's win against Iran should be placed in the context of how poor the opposition was, Carlos Queiroz's side not giving the merest hint of how they recently found their way into the top 20.

This shouldn't detract from a wonderful day for 21-year-old Saka, whose last appearance in a major international tournament was so cruel, the decisive miss in the shoot-out as England lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy.

It was a special moment to see this rare talent experiencing such joy on the global stage after his Wembley despair, but he is not in need of redemption, because he has done so much since.

He received a very different greeting from the manager, who consoled the crestfallen youngster at Wembley, as he was able to share in the joy of a superb individual display.

For the group phase of the tournament, the only mildly contentious part of the first team selection was the preference for Saka over Foden.

It must have been a close call, but Saka has been at the top of his game this season and has shown in previous performances that this level suits him.

A fine first-half strike high past Iran's substitute keeper Hosseini, on for Alireza Beiranvand after he suffered concussion, made it 2-0, then a composed stroke into the bottom corner with his left foot, made it four, and it was all thanks to the

Foden has a rich England career ahead of him, but he didn't have to worry about the call.

"I don't know what to say about the feeling." I am very proud of my accomplishment. It is a special day because we got the win.

I think I'm in a good spot. I am supported by the fans, the coaching staff and my team mates. I don't need anything else. Every time I wear the shirt, I will give 100%.

The England manager had a great day. Not only did he watch Saka deliver, but he also stuck with the other two and both made contributions, the first being a beautiful strike from Harry Kane's cross to make it 2-0 before the half-time break.

The only worry for England's day was the substitution of Maguire after he appeared to have suffered a concussion.

Kane did not get in on the goal scoring act as he stands three away from beating Wayne Rooney's record of 53 goals for England, but he and his captain will hope that is being saved for a harder day.

It was only the second time that England have scored six in a major tournament, the first being in Russia last year when Panama were beaten 6-1.

No day of the World Cup would be complete without a political backdrop for both England and Iran, and that's right.

England were forced to back away from their plan to wear the "OneLove" armband because of the threat of a Fifa sanction.

There was little significance for Iran's supporters inside the stadium, but they joined their players in making a powerful statement regarding their grievances and highlighting the growing human rights protests against the regime in their homeland.

Fans shouted down the Iran national anthem, but the players did not join in. They were determined to make this day count even if they didn't achieve their goals.

The 19-year-old looked every inch the player expected to make a huge impact on this World Cup when he headed the first goal for England.

Marcus Rashford scored with his first touch after coming on as a substitute, while another replacement, Callum Wilson, passed up a presentable scoring chance to set up an easy finish for Jack Grealish.

After the game, England joined their families in the stands.

The United States and Wales in Group B are going to be much more difficult than this one, especially from the outstanding Saka.

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