Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling stars in England beating IR Iran in the World Cup
According to BBC Live, former England international Jermaine Jenas was delighted by the goal scored by Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling in the Three Lions’ win over IR Iran to begin their World Cup campaign.
England being their tournament with a resounding 6-2 win. Sterling contributed with a goal and assist while Mason Mount played well. This was the 27-year-old’s first goal in the World Cup. Before today, he had two assists in 10 appearances in this event.
It was an easy game in the end after a scratchy start, chiefly because of the teams taking time to settle down and the Iran goalkeeper having to go off because of the concussion he suffered after a collision with his own defender.
Once Gareth Southgate’s men settled, the goals came. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a brilliant header, followed by a great volley finish from Bukayo Saka. Sterling made three before half-time, before assisting Saka for the fourth goal. Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish scored the other goals while Mehdi Taremi notched up a brace for Iran.
Raheem Sterling – 6-2 vs IR Iran, (71′) 1G, 1A
Despite contrary beliefs, Sterling started the game and was sharp from the first minute. Up until his goal, the Chelsea forward was good with his movements and linked up well with Luke Shaw on the left and Mount centrally. He took his goal well in the first-half stoppage time following a great cross from Harry Kane.
The 27-year-old then assisted a goal in the 62nd minute following an Iranian mistake. He found Saka who had to chop inside and score.
Sterling was taken off in the 71st minute following a great performance at a stage when the game was more or less won. He would be the key player for England in the coming games.
This performance will give the Chelsea man a lot of confidence going into the next few games. His form wasn’t good for the Blues so far, but this is good news for England and Chelsea.
Jenas, who made 21 appearances for the national team, was in awe of the finish from Sterling.
Here’s what he said (BBC Live):
“What a start! Harry Kane doesn’t even need to lift his head once, he just plays it in to where he would want it. The finish from Sterling is absolutely spot on, outside of the boot, on the volley, pick that one out!”
Mount was the other Chelsea player who started this game. Here’s what he did.
Mason Mount – 6-2 v IR Iran, (71′)
Mount started the game as a number 10 behind striker Kane. His passing and link-up game was good. He had a good chance in the first half to open the scoring but only could find the side netting.
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The 23-year-old’s ball-carrying and counter-press were very good as well along with Bellingham. He was taken off as part of the quadruple changes made by Southgate in the 71st minute to rotate the line-up after the game was won. Tougher tests awaits him and England.