“You’d be silly not to rate him”, “Impossible to dislike” – Fans salute ‘very special’ England star for world-class performance after 6-2 win in FIFA World Cup opener against Iran

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been receiving plaudits after helping England beat Iran 6-2 in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener today (21st November).

England locked horns with Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in their first group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup today. They marked the occasion by earning a thumping 6-2 victory over the Middle East nation.

Saka grabbed a brace, while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish scored a goal each for the Three Lions. Meanwhile, Mehri Taremi scored both goals for Iran.

While several players impressed for Gareth Southgate's side, Saka particularly stood out with his display. Many fans have even taken to social media to wax lyrical about the Arsenal star.

Here is how supporters reacted to Saka's goalscoring performance against Iran on Twitter:

Saka's brace against Iran has seen him become the joint top scorer in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, alongside Taremi and Enner Valencia. Although there is still a long way to go, the winger will be happy to retain his spot come the end of the tournament on 18th December.

It is worth noting that the 21-year-old was in fine form for Arsenal in the months leading up to the World Cup. He has been integral to the club's Premier League title push under Mikel Arteta this season.

Saka has scored four goals and provided six assists in 14 league appearances for the Gunners this term. It now appears that he will also be key to England's push to win the World Cup in Qatar.

England face the USA in their second FIFA World Cup match

England will play their second group-stage match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday (25th November). They are scheduled to face the USA at the Al Bayt Stadium in that match.

The Three Lions will then face neighbors Wales in their third and final group-stage game. That match will take place at the Al Rayyan Stadium on 29th November.

Southgate and Co. will be positive about progressing into the knockout stages of the competition as group winners. As evident from their World Cup opener, they are determined to return home with the trophy.

About the author

Dakir is a European and Indian football journalist at Sportskeeda with an overall experience of 10 years. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication, and currently pursuing Master’s in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University, he is a seasoned football journalist who has interviewed the likes of former Liverpool star John Arne Riise, covered the entire 2022-23 Indian Super League season of the Kerala Blasters, and has delivered a seminar at an international conference held by St. Albert's College, Ernakulam.

Thanks to his extensive academic background in journalism, Dakir understands the importance of accuracy and spends a significant amount of time researching the subject. In today’s data-driven world of football, where players are perceived as machines, he prides himself amplify the voices of the people that make football the beautiful game that it is.

He started following football in 2013, and more specifically, Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, and admires Jurgen Klopp for his untouched charisma and unmatched legacy. A perpetual underdog supporter, he is a fan of under-fire Reds forward Darwin Nunez and can’t wait for him to show the world what he truly is. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s iconic “corner taken quickly” corner assist for Divock Origi in Liverpool’s 4-0 UCL semifinal win over Barcelona left a lasting impact on him.

When not writing, Dakir enjoys indulging in his guilty pleasure - watching mass commercial movies.

Know More