England player ratings: Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka shine as Harry Maguire also impresses
- Planet Sport writer
- 21 November 2022
England kicked off their 2022 World Cup campaign in fine style as they powered to a 6-2 victory over Iran.
Bukayo Saka bagged a brace and Jude Bellingham played a starring role in midfield as the Three Lions eased to victory in Qatar.
Having reached the semi-finals four years ago and finished as Euros runners-up last summer, the Three Lions arrived among the favourites despite a six-match winless run and Nations League relegation.
Here, Planet Sport provides player ratings for the England team following their second-biggest victory at a major tournament.
Jordan Pickford - 7
Will be unhappy not to have kept a clean sheet but made a fine late stop before conceding a second from the spot.
Kieran Trippier - 7
Delivery into the box first rate as always and it was backed up with solid defending at the other end of the pitch.
John Stones - 7
A comfortable night for the centre-back, whose partnership at this level with Harry Maguire has been developed over some time. 7.
Harry Maguire - 8
Unlucky to hit the crossbar with a header but set up Saka's strike and looked something close to his tournament best only to be forced off in the second half.
Luke Shaw - 7
Fine cross for the England opener and also involved in England's fifth as he operated on the left of a back four.
Declan Rice - 7
Has spoken about his job being to win the ball and give it to Jude Bellingham to deliver the goods. If the pair stay fit it will be great news for England.
Jude Bellingham - 9
Became England's second youngest World Cup goal-scorer when opening the scoring with a towering header which capped a man-of-the-match display.
Bukayo Saka - 9
Banished the ghosts of his Euro 2020 penalty miss with a brace, including a brilliant volley to double the lead.
Mason Mount - 8
A quietly impressive performance sneaked under the radar given those around him.
Raheem Sterling - 8
Loves the biggest stages with England and belied his recent Chelsea form with a fine performance and his 20th international goal.
Harry Kane - 8
Would have wanted to get among the goals but played the team game and provided two assists before being replaced.
Substitutes
Eric Dier - 6
Replaced Maguire after he was forced off through injury.
Marcus Rashford - 7
Another man who missed from the spot last summer, he needed just seconds to score on his first appearance since the final.
Phil Foden - 6
The Manchester City man was arguably unlucky to miss out on a start but got a run out here as Southgate chose to rotate with the game won.
Jack Grealish - 7
Wrapped up the win with a late sixth and will want to push for a start in the coming games.
Callum Wilson - 7
The Newcastle striker earned a surprise call-up following a purple patch for his club but it was an unselfish pass for Grealish to score that he contributed here.
